While cotton seed's popularity varies with geographical location, it can be commonly seen in a TMR. The seed coat helps slow the release of protein and fat in the rumen.
Feeding high amount of cottonseed can result in gossypol toxicity. Gossypol is the main pigment in cottonseed and can be found in the pigment glands of the plant. Gossypol protects the plant from insect damage. It occurs in both protein-bound and free forms, and the free forms are toxic. Cattle have the ability to detoxify gossypol because the microorganisms in their rumen bind it so that it can’t be absorbed. Animals without a rumen or calves with an undeveloped rumen are more sensitive to gossypol toxicity and can’t handle as much gossypol in their diet.
Table below is an analysis of the major components of cottonseed. A description for each item can be found on the feed analysis terms page.
|
Item (%) |
ME CSM |
ES CSM |
WSC |
DCS |
CSH |
|
Dry Matter |
92.3 |
89.1 |
91.6 |
90.0 |
89.9 |
|
CP |
46.1 |
47.6 |
22.5 |
25.0 |
5.0 |
|
ADF |
18.1 |
17.3 |
38.8 |
26.0 |
67.0 |
|
NDF |
32.3 |
24.5 |
47.2 |
37.0 |
86.9 |
|
CF |
11.4 |
11.2 |
29.5 |
17.2 |
48.6 |
|
Ether Extract |
4.6 |
2.2 |
17.8 |
23.8 |
1.9 |
|
Ash |
7.2 |
7.5 |
3.8 |
4.5 |
2.8 |
Where: ME CSM = mechanical extracted cottonseed meal, ES CSM = expander solvent cottonseed meal, WCS = whole cottonseed, DCS = delinted cottonseed, CSH = cottonseed hulls
Sourced from Cottonseed Feed Products Guide
References: