Feeding cotton products to cattle

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2002 Jul;18(2):267-94. doi: 10.1016/s0749-0720(02)00020-8.

Abstract

Despite the potential for gossypol toxicosis (particularly in pre-ruminants) and risk factors associated with impaired fertility in bulls, cottonseed products offer a safe alternative feed for cattle producers when fed at recommended levels. Beef producers seeking to lower production costs should consider using cotton byproducts in their feeding programs. If carefully incorporated, cotton byproduct feeds can reduce feed costs while maintaining or increasing the level of cattle performance. Cottonseed meal will remain a standard protein supplement for beef cattle throughout the country. Whole cottonseed has much potential for Southern producers near cotton gins if it is purchased in a timely fashion and fed according to recommendations. Cotton gin trash, cottonseed hulls, and cotton textile mill waste also have potential economic benefits, especially to producers located near cotton and cottonseed processing facilities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed* / adverse effects
  • Animal Feed* / analysis
  • Animal Feed* / economics
  • Animal Husbandry / economics
  • Animal Husbandry / methods
  • Animals
  • Cattle / metabolism*
  • Cottonseed Oil
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fiber / analysis
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Proteins / analysis
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Food Handling / methods
  • Gossypium*
  • Gossypol / toxicity
  • Male
  • Phosphorus, Dietary / administration & dosage
  • Phosphorus, Dietary / analysis
  • Safety

Substances

  • Cottonseed Oil
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Phosphorus, Dietary
  • Gossypol