Cotton seed is an ideal feedstuff for dairy cows, beef cattle and other ruminant livestock. It provides more energy and protein in higher concentrations than grain does.
Whole cottonseed can be fed as a standalone supplement to mature cows or added to rations as part of an energy or protein replacement in feed blends and mixtures. It could even serve as the source of fat in diets with high calcium concentrations.
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Cost-effective premier feedstuff
Cotton seed for cows is an economical, high-protein feed preferred by dairy producers across the nation. With higher concentrations of energy, protein and fiber than many other feed ingredients, cotton seed makes an excellent addition to more nutrient-dense ingredients to create a cost-effective balanced ration.
Producers can reduce production costs by balancing rations, decreasing feed waste and maximizing utilization of stored crop residues such as cornstalks. Grazing corn stalks is an efficient way to provide excess protein to cows who require it and decrease hay intake in mature cow herds.
In addition to cutting costs, this strategy also reduces workload at the bale feeder by allowing cows to consume their dry matter requirements in a shorter amount of time, thus eliminating sorting and waste at the feeding station. Unfortunately, this solution may not be feasible for smaller herds where equipment or infrastructure for total mixed ration delivery is lacking.
Energy and protein in greater concentrations
Cotton seed for cows provides more energy and protein than many other feedstuffs do. This nutrient profile allows producers to mix cottonseed with less-nutrient-dense ingredients in their rations, creating a competitively priced yet balanced ration.
Cottonseed’s high levels of energy and protein have long been recognized by dairy producers nationwide as a cost-effective, superior feedstuff for lactating cows with superior genetic merit. Unfortunately, cottonseed contains gossypol, an aromatic compound that may lead to intoxication, liver damage, or reproductive problems in livestock.
Safe to feed during breeding season
Cotton grown in the United States mainly falls into two categories: upland (Gossypium hirsutum) and desert (Gossypium americanum). Upland seed can be fed whole, ground or cracked to improve nutrient absorption and nutritional quality.
Pima cottonseed is another option, though it contains more fat than upland varieties. No matter the cotton variety, however, the amount of free gossypol present in whole seed can have an impact on reproductive performance.
However, upland cotton may offer less of a risk of sterility issues than pima cotton due to its greater spread in the Southeast.
Feeding whole cottonseed (or a mixture of both) to cows during breeding season may be beneficial due to its high fat content. The fat helps boost energy values in the cow’s body, which could have beneficial effects on female reproduction.
Easy to store
Cotton seed for cows is a triple-nutrient feedstuff, offering high energy, protein and fiber in its natural form. This makes it an excellent ration additive for lactating dairy cattle.
Cottonseed should always be kept dry and cool to extend its shelf life before feeding. Cottonseed moisture levels should not exceed 10% to prevent mold, rot and spontaneous combustion.
Cottonseed should be stored in a commodity shed with strong sides and an effective roof. This will keep most rain and precipitation out, keeping your product dry and protected.
However, since whole cottonseed is in bulk and doesn’t flow like cubes or grains, bulk handling equipment is needed for transporting. A bucket loader is an ideal option for dairymen who need to utilize large amounts of cottonseed.
