Livestock markets opened the week with significant strength, led by a gap higher in cattle. April Live Cattle futures gained 2.17 to settle at 242.80, while March Feeder Cattle futures rallied 4.82 to close at 370.97. The April Lean Hog contract also participated in the upside, gaining 1.02 to settle at 92.30. Wholesale Boxed Beef was mixed, with Choice cuts lower and Select cuts slightly higher. USDA data released over the holiday showed the five-area average steer price firm at 245.62 on strong volume, while daily slaughter numbers were reported at 87,000 head.