Whole cottonseed is an incredibly high-energy and nutrient-dense feedstuff used extensively in the dairy industry to boost milk production and butterfat.
Cottonseed meal is a widely-used protein supplement for beef cattle, but it should only be fed in small amounts due to gossypol toxicity issues, particularly among preruminants and young animals.
Contents
Protein
Cottonseed meal is a plant protein source used to supplement beef and dairy cattle diets. It is produced as an by-product from the extraction of oil from whole cottonseed.
Cottonseed meal can vary in protein content depending on how it has been processed. It can be extracted from either whole cottonseed or linted (dehulled) cottonseed.
This protein source contains gossypol, a phenolic compound which can lead to toxicosis in animals. However, ruminants have the capacity to detoxify gossypol by converting it into bound gossypol in their rumen, thus decreasing gossypol absorption into the bloodstream.
Supplemental feeding cows with this grain provides them with a good source of protein when fed at recommended levels and under controlled conditions. It has high protein and energy values as well as high fiber content.
Cottonseed meal is often utilized to provide protein to beef and dairy cattle grazing low-quality hay or pasture. It’s typically mixed with salt in order to achieve the desired level of protein in their feed ration.
Fiber
Cottonseed meal is a nutrient-rich byproduct of cotton plant ginning that can be fed to livestock. It boasts an ideal combination of protein, energy and fiber that benefits both dairy cattle and beef herds alike.
Dairy farmers often add calcium to their milk production and butterfat in lactating cow rations, helping boost feed conversion rates (FCR) and intake when cattle fed hay or pasture. Not only that, but calcium also improves body condition while supporting proper animal health and breeding practices.
Beef herds may benefit from adding whole cottonseed to their ration, increasing energy for muscle development and growth. However, it is essential that the fat level remains low enough that it does not hinder fiber digestion by rumen microbes.
Cottonseed meal should be stored safely to avoid mold and aflatoxins. Keep it out of the rain, in sturdy commodity sheds with strong sides. Maintain moisture levels below 14% to prevent overheating.
Energy
Whole cottonseed meal is an energy-rich, protein-rich feed that can be used to increase milk production and butterfat in dairy cows. Additionally, it’s often included as part of the diets of beef cattle.
Protein, fat and fiber are all important sources for cow rations. Soybean meal can easily be substituted in cow meals.
Cottonseed meal for cattle is primarily composed of oil (fat) in the seed hulls. This fat can be separated from these by solvent extraction or mechanical extraction.
Cottonseed meal’s energy value depends on several factors, including its method of extraction, proportion of husks and lint, as well as degree of decortication. Solvent extracted cottonseed meal has higher energy values than mechanically extracted but lower values than chemically processed hulled cottonseed meal.
Fat
Cottonseed meal is a common feedstuff used in dairy cow diets. It’s usually mixed with salt to achieve the desired level of protein and then given free choice to adult ruminants.
Cottonseed that has been ginned to remove lint and debris is an ideal energy source for cattle. Additionally, it supplies them with protein and fat in small amounts.
A trial conducted in Georgia revealed that mature beef cattle could consume up to 11 pounds of whole cottonseed daily, which was equivalent to an intake of up to 1.6 pounds of fat daily.
Cottonseed meal has a high protein content, as well as gossypol, an organic compound that may lead to intoxication or liver damage if consumed. However, this compound can be detoxified by ruminants so feeding cottonseed meal as a protein substitute in dairy diets may prove beneficial.
