1434 EST [Dow Jones] - CME live cattle settled sharply lower following initial profit taking. Sentiments that Wednesday's rally was overstated versus this week's potential cash cattle price outcome contributed to board losses.
And, the suspension of U.S. meat packing plants by Mexico because of alleged food safety worries exerted added market pressure. Dec closed 157 points lower at 85.90 cents a pound, and Feb closed 222 points lower at 86.10 cents. Feeder cattle also finished down sharply on live cattle's sell off, profit taking and CBOT corn's upswing. Jan finished 205 points lower at 92.82 cents, March ended 280 points lower at 91.75 cents.(TWA)