Despite the low CP and nutritive value, cotton seed hulls are palatable roughage for cattle. They can be fed to cattle instead of grinding hay and should be included in the cattle’s daily diet, just as hay is. However, the low bulk density makes cotton seed hulls inefficient for feeding mature cows, since the hulls do not contain a high energy or protein concentration.
Feasting with cottonseed hulls
Cottonseed hulls are a byproduct of the oil extraction process of cotton. They are normally used as supplemental roughage in free-choice feeders and feedlots, and at rates of 25 percent or less. The low bulk density of cottonseed hulls means they are expensive to ship and may be inaccessible to producers far away from processing facilities. The low energy and protein concentration also makes cottonseed hulls uneconomic to feed to mature cows.
However, the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to using whole cottonseed for cattle feed. It is possible to feed cottonseed to cattle at multiple stages of production without causing excessive fat and gossypol toxicity. However, you must consider the expense and the effort involved in feeding whole cottonseed to your cattle. There is no reliable way to calculate the precise amount to feed your cattle, but breeders have been surviving on 1 to 2 kg of whole cottonseed per head of cattle.
In addition to being highly palatable, cottonseed hulls for cattle provide high levels of fibre, which reduces the risk of acidosis. They are also a great source of protein, and you can feed cottonseed hulls to cattle at a 2:1 ratio with hay to ensure an adequate supply of energy and nutrients. So, if you want to feed your cattle an all-natural alternative feed, try feeding them with cottonseed hulls.
Feeding with cottonseed hulls
The benefits of feeding cattle with cottonseed hulls are numerous. This low-CP, high-sugar, low-fiber supplement can be used in place of grinding hay, but it is not a complete feed. Its low bulk density limits its use to producers near processing plants and its low energy and protein concentration make it an ineffective feed for mature cows. Still, it is one of the most cost-effective roughage sources for beef cattle.
The hulls are a byproduct of the cotton industry, and are palatable to cattle. They may be added to rations to increase their intake. Although high in crude fiber, cottonseed hulls are low in digestibility and should be fed at a rate of 10 to 25 percent of the diet. To prevent stomach upsets, the proportion of cottonseed hulls in cattle’s diet should not exceed 25 percent of total roughage.
The nutritional value of cottonseed hulls depends on the processing method. It is possible to feed cattle with cottonseed hulls without a feed processing step. However, if stored for too long in a wet environment, the hulls may combust. Moreover, they may contain mold mycotoxins, which could adversely affect cattle’s health. If you are considering feeding cottonseed hulls to your cattle, read on to learn more.
Adding readily available sources of energy to cottonseed
Adding readily available sources of energy to cottonseed hulls is a cost-effective way to supplement a cattle diet. This source of energy is highly digestible, and is a cheaper alternative to commercial feeds. A grain-based supplement can be more costly, but it is a natural source of energy and protein, and will provide your cattle with a higher energy density than cottonseed alone.
Cottonseed hulls are an excellent source of roughage for mature cattle and feedlot cattle, and they can be utilized as supplemental fiber for younger calves. Although their low energy and protein content make them less economic for growing cattle, they are a natural source of energy and provide a range of beneficial nutrients to livestock. Although they are a byproduct of the cotton industry, cottonseed hulls are easily handled and granulated, which reduces transport and storage costs.
Whole cottonseed is a highly digestible source of energy. This is the reason why it has been used as a premium feed for dairy cattle for centuries. Dairy producers across the country recognize the benefits of whole cottonseed as one of the most cost-effective premium feeds. In fact, more than 50% of cottonseed is consumed by dairy cows. This feed is especially beneficial for mixed rations, as the protein and fat content of cottonseed can be enhanced when it is combined with other more nutrient-dense ingredients.
