Choice boxed beef closed Thursday at $381.09, up $1.43 from Wednesday, while Select was $381.57, down $0.70, narrowing the spread to -0.48. Movement increased with 145 loads, compared to 122 loads on Wednesday.  

In the primals, the rib moved higher to $525.02 from $519.00. The chuck was slightly higher at $320.74 versus $320.60, and the round improved to $322.09 from $319.38. The loin was lower at $510.05 compared to $511.34, while the brisket was steady to slightly lower at $345.61 versus $345.80. The plate strengthened to $302.53 from $298.72, and the flank moved higher to $218.63 from $215.07.