Whole Cottonseed for Beef Cattle Rations 1
R.O. Myer 2
1. This document is AN134, one of a series of the Animal Science Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date April 11, 2003. Visit the EDIS Web Site at
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. R.O.Myer, Professor of Animal Sciences, NFREC Marianna, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/University of Florida/Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean.
High availability in the southern USA has
generated much interest in the use of whole
cottonseed as a feed ingredient for beef cattle rations.
Whole cottonseed is high in energy (TDN), protein,
phosphorus, and fiber. The high TDN is mainly due
to the high oil/fat content of the whole cottonseed.
Composition of whole cottonseed is presented in
table 1. Be aware that the nutrient concentrations
given in the table are average values and it is strongly
suggested that the available source of cottonseed be
analyzed.
Pertinent Points on the Feeding of
Whole Cottonseed to Beef Cattle
1. Because of the high oil content of whole
cottonseed, the maximum amount to be fed
should not exceed 0.5% of body weight per day
for mature cows and 0.33% of body weight for
weaned calves. For example, a 600-lb stocker
should not receive more than 2 lbs per day (0.33
x 600 ÷ 100 = 2) and a 1000-lb cow, 5 lbs (0.5 x
1000 ÷ 100 = 5). In mixed rations, whole
cottonseed should not exceed 15% of the total
ration dry matter, including dry matter from hay
and/or pasture. The high fat/oil content of whole
cottonseed could result in diarrhea if fed at high
levels.
2. As with any new feed, cattle may have to be
enticed to eat cottonseed, which can be done by
top dressing it with molasses or other palatable
feed.
3. Cottonseed can be fed without feed processing.
A Few Cautions
1. Cottonseed can combust spontaneously if stored
too wet and stacked high. Moisture level should
not exceed 14% for safe storage.
2. Mold mycotoxins such as aflatoxins can be a
problem, especially if whole cottonseed is stored
too wet.
3. Whole cottonseed contains some free gossypol,
which can be toxic to some livestock species.
However, gossypol toxicity is usually not a
concern with beef cattle except for young calves
under four months of age and for breeding bulls.
Gossypol is known to interfere with male
fertility. Gossypol-induced infertility in bulls
should not be of concern if recommended
feeding levels are not exceeded. However, to err
on the side of caution, do not feed whole
cottonseed to bulls 60 to 90 days before the start
of the breeding season or to young growing bulls
Whole Cottonseed for Beef Cattle Rations 2
to be sold for breeding. For more information,
refer to edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AN130.
4. Cottonseed can overheat if stored improperly.
Heat-damaged cottonseed has reduced feeding
value and palatability.
5. Prolonged wet, humid conditions just before
cotton harvest can result in mold growth and/or
seed sprouting, which reduces the feeding value
of whole cottonseed.
6. A check of seed soundness should be done
before purchase (i.e. cut some seeds open with a
pocket knife). Avoid lots with many
lightweight/hollow seeds.
Further Information
Further information can be obtained from local
county extension service and the animal science
extension websites of North Carolina State University
(
www.cals.ncsu.edu/ansci/extension/animal/nutr/ahnutr.html) and the University of Florida
(edis.ifas.ufl.edu/TOPIC_Beef_Cattle_Nutrition).
by LaneFarms on Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:43 pm 
