Whole cottonseed is high in protein, making it an excellent substitute for soybean meal and other fatty feeds. Cattle should be weaned before switching to cottonseed meal, which should be given to cattle in small amounts at the beginning. Cattle can also be fed dry-extruded cottonseed cake in place of soybean meal. Cattle should be handled carefully, however. The recommended daily intake is about three to four pounds per head of cattle.
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Dry-extruded cottonseed cake replaces soybean meal
The use of dry-extruded cottonseed cake in the diet of cattle can provide a nutritious alternative to soybean meal, said John Bernard, professor of dairy science at the University of Georgia Tifton campus. This alternative protein source is similar to soybean meal but has a slightly different nutrient profile. Cottonseed cake is readily available in Georgia, and it can save both farmers and cattle producers money.
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Georgia examined the effects of dry-extruded cottonseed cake on the performance of dairy cows fed expeller or solvent-extracted soybean meal. They also assessed the replacements’ effects on milk protein yield and fat content. Although these results are preliminary, they show the promise of using cottonseed cake in livestock diets.
Whole cottonseed is a high-protein source
A major benefit of whole cottonseed for cattle is that it contains a triple-nutrient profile containing protein, available fat, and effective fiber. These three components work together to improve overall body condition and support muscle growth, lactation, and digestive health. Whole cottonseed has a small amount of fiber in the form of short, white hair-like linters, which also provide energy.
Whole cottonseed provides beef cattle with energy and protein, and it is an effective supplement to poor-quality grass hay. Its high fat content makes it an excellent add-in to feed blends. Besides whole cottonseed, the by-product cottonseed oil contains high protein content and can be substituted for soybean meal in feed blends. If you’re not sure how much cottonseed to feed your cattle, consult a nutritionist for your specific needs.
Weaned calves can be fed cottonseed meal
There are many options for early weaning calves, including cottonseed meal, milo, or barley. High-quality hay or cottonseed hulls are also good sources of roughage. Cottonseed and soybean meals are suitable sources of crude protein, and both can be supplemented with antibiotics. It is important to use antibiotics according to the directions on the label, though.
Unlike older calves, weaned calves can efficiently convert feed to gain. To maximize the efficiency of the conversion, managers should consider weaning calves early. While many ranchers mistakenly think that calves without dams cannot gain as much as those that have been raised with a mother’s milk, studies show that well-designed starter rations can result in daily gains equal to or greater than those of calves that have been milked exclusively by their mother.
Care should be taken when handling
Cottonseed meal is a byproduct of oil extraction. In addition to being used as a soil conditioner, this product is also beneficial to the animal kingdom. It contains 20 percent protein and is a great source of dietary fiber. Cottonseed meal is available in a variety of forms, including a granular form that is easily handled. Care should be taken when handling cottonseed meal, especially when handling a large quantity.
Cottonseed meal belongs to the class of suspended respiration products, which means that biochemical and microbial processes continue even after the meal is deposited in the hold. Therefore, care should be taken to limit the autoxidative fat cleavage process of the product. This product can also lead to self-heating because of its high fiber and grain size. It also contains residual flammable solvents.
Storage
Whole cottonseed is an excellent triple-nutrient feed ingredient for cattle, with high fiber, energy and protein. It supports milk production and boosts butterfat. However, the quality of this feed ingredient depends on how it is stored. Most dairy farms use commodity sheds, as these buildings are effective at keeping out most precipitation and rain. For proper storage, it is important to ensure the first in, last out principle.
There are various storage techniques for cottonseed meal. One of the most effective is the use of silage bags. However, these bags cannot be packed tightly like silage, so they must be inflated with a large auger. Another option is to transport the grain using tip trucks. Some producers also use stockcrates lined with hessian and tarpaulted. The ideal moisture level is 10% or less.
