Whole cottonseed (WCS) is a widely-used protein supplement for dairy cows. It offers significant amounts of energy, protein and fiber on a dry matter basis.
Whole cottonseed can be purchased from gins and commodity feed suppliers throughout the Southeast. For mature cows, it should be fed at a rate of 6-8 pounds per head per day or 0.5% of body weight; this level helps restrict fat intake while still promoting proper rumen function.
Contents
Energy
Whole cottonseed contains a balanced energy content, making it ideal for cattle’s diet. The combination of protein, available fat and effective fiber makes whole cottonseed especially beneficial when fed to dairy cows.
Many dairy producers utilize cottonseed as a valuable source of energy and protein for their herd, leading to higher milk output as well as increased butterfat levels.
This supplement may also be used to improve body condition of breeding heifers and support productive cows under heat stress. Furthermore, it helps balance rumen fiber digestibility rates when combined with poor-quality grass hay or haylage.
Whole cottonseed should be stored out of the rain to prevent moisture and mold accumulation. Stacks less than 8 feet high are ideal for storage, and whole cottonseed should never be placed directly on dirt or plastic to avoid moisture or “sweat” accumulation.
Protein
Cottonseed is high in protein, fat and fiber – making it an incredibly nutrient-rich source. It’s no wonder why whole cottonseed is such a staple of dairy cows’ diets.
Fed at recommended levels, whole cottonseed can increase milk yield and milk fat test. Furthermore, it improves body condition which may aid with reproductive performance.
Cottonseed can be added to a diet to help balance out the dry matter intake for each energy source. It can be fed as an independent feed or combined with grains, molasses and other feedstuffs for added nutritional benefits.
Whole cottonseed can be added to a complete ration or used as an alternative to corn for supplementing high forage diets. Its nutrient profile reduces the need for other ingredients in rations, making it an economical protein source.
Fiber
Whole cottonseed is an excellent source of essential nutrients for beef cattle diets. It provides a balanced balance of energy and protein to promote growth, development and lactation.
Fiber, or carbohydrates that cannot be digested by mammalian enzymes but can be broken down by rumen microorganisms, plays an integral role in the effectiveness of a feed ration. It’s essential to maintain adequate fiber concentrations in the diet for optimal rumen health.
Cows benefit from increased digestion and nutrient absorption when fed a sufficient amount of fiber. Furthermore, feeding high-fiber feedstuff can promote better feeding efficiency, reduce feed conversion losses, and enhance milk production.
Cottonseed contains, in addition to the short fibers covering the hulls, long-staple fibers (linters) which have been found highly digestible by rumen microorganisms. These linters make up most of the fiber content in cottonseed.
Fat
Whole cottonseed is an exceptional feed ingredient with a unique triple-nutrient composition. It provides protein, available fat and effective fiber that makes it an essential part of beef cattle diets.
Cottonseed, in addition to being an excellent feedstuff, also helps boost milk production and maintain body condition for cows due to the oil content of the seed kernel and essential fatty acids it contains.
Whole cottonseed can be beneficial to beef cattle, but it may have adverse effects on rumen function. To maintain optimal rumen health, it’s important to feed it at the recommended level (approximately 0.5% of bodyweight) and limit fat consumption.
