USDA REPORT ON CATTLE SLAUGHTER, MEAT PURCHASES The U.S. Agriculture Department said an estimated 8,700 head of dairy cattle were slaughtered during the week ending March 13 as a result of the Whole Herd Dairy Buyout program. The cumulative total of cattle slaughtered under the program from April 1 through March 13 is estimated at 1,032,300 head, it said. Cumulative meat purchases through March 27 total 376,897,330 lbs, the department said. Dairy cattle reported for export under the program for the period April 1 through March 27 totaled an estimated 55,055 head, the department said. Live cattle exports are in addition to the meat purchase requirements, the department said.