“Farmers use research findings every day to make informed decisions about what to feed their cattle, how much of each ingredient should go in a ration, and what supplementation may be needed in a herd,” explains Susan Jaconis, agricultural research director at Cotton Incorporated. “By collaborating with researchers, Cotton Incorporated has established the important role that whole cottonseed plays in cattle rations.”

In 2022, Cotton Incorporated worked closely with cotton researchers to fund open access to studies related to using whole cottonseed in U.S. beef cattle rations, cottonseed characteristics for beef cattle consumption and more. One study looking at moderate feed measurements and gossypol toxicity received editorial coverage opportunities from media partners. The four new studies are available to read in the October and December issues of Applied Animal Science are below:

Study 1: Effects of whole cottonseed supplementation on performance, semen quality, and manganese superoxide dismutase concentrations in blood and semen of beef bulls

The beef bulls were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 7 lbs./d dried distillers grain, 3.5 lbs./d whole cottonseed and 3.5 lbs./d dried distillers grain, or 7 lbs./d whole cottonseed. The study found that when whole cottonseed is fed in moderation, it does not have an effect on bull fertility. View the full study here.

Study 2: Invited Review: Using whole cottonseed and cotton harvest residue in southeastern US beef cattle diets: Quality, intake, and changes in feed characteristics

The cotton industry’s challenges do not influence cotton byproduct’s ability to be a viable source of fat, fiber and protein for beef cattle producers. Whole cottonseed, gin byproduct and grazed cotton residue can be used effectively in beef cow-calf operations, but it is imperative to follow the feeding recommendations set to ensure proper use and safety. Read the full review here.

Study 3: Grazing cotton crop residue to reduce winter supplementation cost in late-gestation beef cows and assessment of the negative effects of gossypol on fermentation of mixed ruminal microorganisms

This cotton residue grazing trial showed that producers can extend the grazing period and decrease feed costs for late-gestation beef cows in the winter months, meaning cotton residue can be used for hay supplementation. More information about the study can be found here.

Study 4: Cottonseed characteristics related to beef cattle consumption: Protein degradability, digestibility, and gossypol content

This study indicates that heat-damaged whole cottonseed had decreased dry matter degradation and amount of nitrogen. However, it still maintains partial feed value. When whole cottonseed is heat damaged, the decreased amount of digestible dry matter and nitrogen available in the rumen should be analyzed before feeding livestock. Learn more about the study here.

If you are interested in learning more about research studies funded by Cotton Incorporated or to speak with an expert about any of these studies, visit wholecottonseed.com.

Study 1: Davis, D. B., Jones, A. L., Hernandez, S. R., Welch, C. B., Fontes, P. L. P., Tucker, J. J., & Stewart, R. L. (2022). Effects of whole cottonseed supplementation on performance, semen quality, and manganese superoxide dismutase concentrations in blood and semen of Beef Bulls. Applied Animal Science, 38(6), 533–539. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2022-02303

Study 2: Mullenix, M. K., Stewart, R. L., Jacobs, J. L., & Davis, D. L. (2022). Invited review: Using whole cottonseed and cotton harvest residue in southeastern us beef cattle diets: Quality, intake, and changes in feed characteristics. Applied Animal Science, 38(5), 447–455. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2022-02301

Study 3: Davis, D. B., Hernandez, S. R., Johnson, H. M., Callaway, T. R., & Stewart, R. L. (2022). Grazing cotton crop residue to reduce winter supplementation cost in late-gestation beef cows and assessment of the negative effects of gossypol on fermentation of mixed ruminal microorganisms. Applied Animal Science, 38(5), 433–440. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2022-02302

Study 4: Jacobs, J. L., Davis, D. B., Mullenix, M. K., Koebernick, J. C., Justice, S. M., Dillard, S. L., Muntifering, R. B., & Stewart, R. L. (2022). Cottonseed characteristics related to beef cattle consumption: Protein degradability, digestibility, and Gossypol Content. Applied Animal Science, 38(5), 409–416. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2022-02304

The post Cotton Incorporated Funds Extensive Whole Cottonseed Research appeared first on Whole Cottonseed.

What is whole cottonseed?

Whole cottonseed is a by-product of cotton production. Cotton gins remove the cotton lint for use in textiles and other products, leaving behind a nutritious seed that can be that makes an excellent feed ingredient for cattle, particularly lactating cows, or can be pressed for cottonseed oil for use in cooking and cosmetics. Cottonseed offers a unique composition of protein, available fat and effective fiber,¹ making it a sought-after feed ingredient for dairies, ranches and feedlots.

What are some of the practical benefits of feeding whole cottonseed?

As a by-product of the cotton ginning process, whole cottonseed is widely available and if purchased at the right time, competitively priced. It can be used as an excellent high-fiber forage extender, particularly in situations where forage quality is of concern.² It also can be used to supplement poor quality grass hay for pregnant and lactating cows.³

What are the nutritional benefits of feeding whole cottonseed to dairy cows?

The triple nutrient punch of fat, fiber, and protein¹ supports a more profitable milk composition from dairy cows. Many studies have demonstrated that whole cottonseed has the potential to increase butterfat content in milk produced by lactating cows.⁴ One example is a University of California, Davis study that showed that compared four different diets: 0, 10, 15 and 20% whole cottonseed. After a 21-day trial of the feeding program, the results revealed an increase in milk fat content with the inclusion of whole cottonseed in the diet.⁵ For more details on what the research says about feeding cottonseed, read this article.

What are the nutritional benefits of feeding whole cottonseed to beef cattle?

Whole cottonseed provides an effective source of fiber, fat and protein in feedlot rations without any adverse effects on performance or carcass characteristics.² Research has also shown that the fat in whole cottonseed improves body condition, leading to better reproductive performance among beef cattle.⁶ One study from the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University concluded that feeding beef cattle whole cottonseed and cotton gin trash resulted in a higher dry matter intake, average daily gain, final body weights and fat thickness compared with cattle in the control group.² For a closer look at the benefits of feeding whole cottonseed to beef cattle, check out this page.

What should I know about gossypol toxicity?

Gossypol is a naturally occurring toxin found in the cotton plant; ruminant animals like cattle can detoxify gossypol via microorganisms in the rumen that bind to the toxin so it cannot be absorbed.⁸ Gossypol toxicity is a rare complication that can occur when whole cottonseed is fed above the recommended rate of 0.5% of bodyweight for mature cows or 0.33% for weaned calves per day.⁷ When rations are well-managed, gossypol toxicity shouldn’t cause any issues for cattle with well-developed rumens.⁸ For an in-depth look at gossypol toxicity and how to properly feed whole cottonseed, read this article.

What’s the best way to store whole cottonseed?

Cottonseed sometimes presents some storage and handling challenges because it doesn’t “flow” like grains do. One way to solve this problem is to use a walking floor and dump truck for transportation. Producers can also purchase coated and pelleted cottonseed products for easier handling. It’s important to have a designated storage space—either a commodity shed or a cleared-out machine shed—to store the product to reduce spoilage.

How can I buy whole cottonseed?

The key to buying whole cottonseed is forging a relationship with a supplier in your area. Producers and suppliers should have an open line of communication about diet goals for their herd and target prices for whole cottonseed. Read more tips on developing a positive relationship with suppliers here. Producers can search the Cottonseed Marketplace to find a supplier in their area. This marketplace covers cottonseed suppliers for the entire United States.

If you’re a producer looking to incorporate whole cottonseed into your herd’s diet, work with a nutritionist to determine the best approach and search the Cottonseed Marketplace to connect with a supplier who services your area.

¹ Kellogg, D.W., Pennington, J.A., Johnson, Z.B. and Panivivat, R. (2001). Survey of management practices used for the highest producing DHI herds in the United States. J. Dairy. Sci. Vol. 84, Supplement, E120– E127. doi:10.3168/-jds.S0022-0302(01)70206–8.

² Warner, Andrea L, et al. (2020). Effects of utilizing cotton byproducts in a finishing diet on beef cattle performance, carcass traits, fecal characteristics, and plasma metabolites. J. Anim. Sci., doi:10.1093/jas/skaa038.

³ Stewart, L. and Rossi, J. (2010). Using cotton byproducts in beef cattle diets. Bulletin 1311. The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. http://cottonpickin.tamu.edu/General%20Production/Georgia%20Cotton%20Byproducts%20for%20Beef%20Cattle%20B%201311_2.pdf.

⁴ Smith, N.E., Collar, L.S., Bath, D.L., Dunkley, W.L., Franke, A.A. (1981). Digestibility and effects of whole cottonseed fed to lactating cows. J. Dairy. Sci. Vol. 64, no. 11, pp. 2209-2215., doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(81)82831-7.

⁵ DePeters, J., et. al. (1985). Effects of feeding whole cottonseed on composition of milk. J. Anim. Sci. 68(4):897-902. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(85)80907-3

⁶ Comerford, J.W. (2014). Added fat in the ration of beef cows to enhance reproduction. Pennsylvania State University. https://extension.psu.edu/added-fat-in-the-ration-of-beef-cows-to-enhance-reproduction.

⁷ Myer, R.O., McDowell, L.R. (2003). Potential for gossypol toxicity when feeding whole cottonseed to beef cattle. This document is AN130, one of a series of the Animal Science Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AN130 .

⁸ Poore, M., Rogers, G. (1998). Potential for gossypol toxicity when feeding whole cottonseed. Department of Animal Science, NCSU. https://projects.ncsu.edu/cals/an_sci/extension/animal/nutr/mhp95-1.htm.

The post Frequently Asked Questions About Whole Cottonseed For Dairy and Beef Producers appeared first on Whole Cottonseed.

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 14, 2023) – Dairy and beef cattle producers can expect to see a decrease in whole cottonseed supply this crop year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s January World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), cotton production is estimated at 14.7 million bales, a 16% decrease from the 2021 crop year.

Cotton prices were well above one-dollar last spring, which motivated U.S. growers to plant two and a half million additional acres for 2022/23 than for the 2021/22 crop year.  However, adverse weather conditions allowed the fewest harvested acres since 2013. Despite the challenges to production, the national fiber yield per harvested acre is expected to set a record of 947 pounds.

“In the Southeast and Delta regions, producers will see increased availability of whole cottonseed to incorporate into their cattle rations,” states Larry Johnson, gin consultant and owner of Tactical Risk advisors. “However, producers in the Southwest and West may need to contract the feed ingredient from other regions due to weather challenges impacting cotton harvests. The Cottonseed Marketplace from Cotton Incorporated is a unique tool than can help these producers contract from a reliable whole cottonseed supplier.”

Cotton Incorporated recently launched an extensively updated list of suppliers on the Cottonseed Marketplace. The tool is an interactive map used to connect buyers and sellers of whole cottonseed in the United States. Each red dot indicates cottonseed merchants within a state and opens a list of cottonseed supplier companies. This list gives producers the flexibility of checking whole cottonseed suppliers in their state or surrounding states.

“The global cotton market has been on a roller coaster over the past year, with forces from both the demand and the supply sides pushing and pulling on the market,” says Jon Devine, senior economist at Cotton Incorporated. “The drought in West Texas led to record abandonment rates in the state. However, those losses were mitigated by record national yields per harvested acre for upland cotton.”

“The market continues to face uncertainty as it looks ahead to 2023. Planted acreage will be determined by how producers balance input costs and competing crop prices,” he adds. “West Texas could use more precipitation, but weather patterns may be shifting away from La Nina conditions, which could allow for the drought to finally break.”

Whole cottonseed has a unique triple-nutrient composition containing protein, available fat and effective fiber.¹ Whole cottonseed is commonly used in dairies rations across the U.S. to increase milk production and butterfat content in the milk when added to a lactating cow ration.² Beef cattle producers can take advantage of the triple-nutrient composition of effective fiber, available fat and protein.³ Additionally, the feed ingredient is an excellent supplementation to poor quality grass hay for dry and lactating cows because it supplies energy and protein in a single feed ingredient.⁴

“Whole cottonseed’s value is measured by its effect on milk production and butterfat at individual dairy operations,” says Lee Van Kleeck, independent dairy nutritionist. “Producers should consult with their nutritionists about utilizing ration balancing software to find the relative costs and benefits of feeding whole cottonseed.”

An advantage to using whole cottonseed is its ability to reduce the number of feed ingredients in a cattle ration. Due to the nutrient composition of whole cottonseed, fewer feed ingredients are required to meet the fat, fiber and protein needs of cattle rations.

“Increased feed prices have led many cattle operations to re-evaluate their feed ingredient purchases, but whole cottonseed remains a unique feed ingredient for many beef or dairy cattle rations. I encourage producers to work with their local nutritionist to evaluate their feeding program’s potential with this triple-nutrient feed ingredient,” Van Kleeck adds.

With harvest wrapping up, producers and their nutritionists are keeping an eye on the market and availability of whole cottonseed to contract from merchants and suppliers in early 2023. To find a whole cottonseed merchant in your region, visit the Cottonseed Marketplace at wholecottonseed.com.

¹ Kellogg, D.W., Pennington, J.A., Johnson, Z.B. and Panivivat, R. (2001). Survey of management practices used for the highest producing DHI herds in the United States. J. Dairy. Sci. Vol. 84, Supplement, E120– E127. doi:10.3168/-jds.S0022-0302(01)70206–8

 ² DePeters, E. J., Taylor, S. J., Franke, A. A., Aguirre, A. (1985). Effects of feeding whole cottonseed on composition of milk. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 68, No. 4, pp. 902. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030285809073

³ Warner, A. L., Beck, P. A., Foote, A. P., Pierce, K. N., Robison, C. A., Hubbell, D. S., & Wilson, B. K. (2020). Effects of utilizing cotton byproducts in a finishing diet on beef cattle performance, carcass traits, fecal characteristics, and plasma metabolites. J. Anim. Sci., 98(2). doi: 10.1093/jas/skaa038

⁴ Stewart, L. and Rossi, J. (2010). Using cotton byproducts in beef cattle diets. Bulletin 1311. The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. http://cottonpickin.tamu.edu/General%20Production/Georgia%20Cotton%20Byproducts%20for%20Beef%20Cattle%20B%201311_2.pdf

The post U.S. Cotton Production Sees An Increase In Pounds Per Harvested Acre appeared first on Whole Cottonseed.

Dr. John Robinson of Texas A&M University developed a forecasting model that factors in the quantity of the cottonseed harvest and soybean prices, as well as a few other variables.

“By far the most influential variable on cottonseed prices is season average cash soybean price,” Robinson said in a recent presentation.

In April 2021, Robinson and his team used this model to forecast 2021 cottonseed prices. They predicted that cottonseed prices would reach $245 per ton, and by October, the actual price was $244 per ton, demonstrating that their model could accurately predict cottonseed prices.

For the 2022 crop year, Robinson’s team attempted to forecast the cottonseed market once more.

“Last April, we plugged in some numbers we thought would be applicable for 2022,” Robinson said. “Our model spit out $265 per ton, which is a little bit of a higher price than the 2021 estimate. We didn’t want to go out on a limb too much, so we said we’re expecting higher prices because of the time trend, which is always there, and because we were expecting a smaller U.S. cottonseed crop, and we were expecting higher soybean prices. We put a lot of caveats around our forecast.”

The actual price ended up being much higher at $343 per ton. While some of the team’s assumptions were correct, U.S. cottonseed production was far lower than expected due to drought conditions across the U.S. and record cotton crop abandonment in the Southwest, according to Robinson. But the far more influential variable is soybean prices.

“It’s the effect of a whole lot of risk and uncertainty in the grain and oilseed complex,” Robinson said.

Robinson said that it’s unclear whether this is just a temporary disruption prompted by variety of factors, including drought, inflation, increased fertilizer costs and the war in Ukraine. He acknowledged that it’s possible this is a permanent structural change that would require him and other economists to update their forecasting models.

While it may be challenging to predict a price for the upcoming crop year, feeding whole cottonseed is still a compelling economical choice for dairy producers. Trial after trial demonstrates whole cottonseed increases milk production and leads to higher butterfat when added to dairy cow rations.¹ That increased butterfat content is economically valuable to producers.

“If we think about what is actually paying the bills, mostly it’s fat and protein yield,” said Dr. Kevin Harvatine, a researcher at Penn State University, in a recent webinar on increasing milk fat production in dairy cows. His research demonstrated that a 0.1 unit increase in milk fat or protein could increase the value of a herd by $59-$86 per head per year depending on milk markets.²

For increasing milk fat production, Harvatine recommended that producers think carefully about the amount and sources of fats in their animals’ diets.

“I look for rumen-available and economical sources of fat, and cottonseed is going to be a main player there,” Harvatine said. “The fat from cottonseed is more slowly available, and it’s going to be rather safe in the rumen. Our goal would be to look at our basal diet — how much fat do I have there? — then bring in cottonseed, and once you hit your limit, if you want to feed more fat, you start bringing in that dry fat supplement.”

With new cotton crops available in the fall and winter months, winter is often a good time to discuss contracting whole cottonseed with your cottonseed supplier in order to secure a good price. For tips on layering in contracts for the best price, read this article or use the Cottonseed Marketplace to connect with a whole cottonseed supplier in your region.

¹ DePeters, E. J., Taylor, S. J., Franke, A. A., Aguirre, A. (1985). Effects of Feeding Whole Cottonseed on Composition of Milk. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 68, No. 4, pp. 902, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030285809073.

The post The 2023 Cottonseed Crop Markets Outlook and What It Means for Producers appeared first on Whole Cottonseed.

“We’re in a very competitive business,” Quam said. “You can have the best genetics in the world, but if you don’t take care of them right and feed them right, you’re not going to get the potential out of them. You’re not going to be competitive. So for us, feeding whole cottonseed is all about being competitive and getting those calves off to a really good start.”

Many beef and dairy producers are looking to whole cottonseed to add nutrition to their herd’s diet during a time where other feed options may be less available due to weather conditions or supply chain constraints. For Quam, whole cottonseed provides a good source of fiber for his calves, particularly those born in December when there’s a short supply of locally grown feed in Wisconsin.

Producers like Quam who rely on whole cottonseed as part of their ration need to think strategically about forward contracting with cottonseed suppliers for the best price. With drought conditions persisting throughout the U.S., whole cottonseed may be in greater demand and less supply during the upcoming growing season, explained Larry Johnson, cottonseed expert and owner of Tactical Risk Advisors.

“Texas is the number one cotton-producing state in U.S., and they’re showing record abandonment because of the drought. We’ve lost so much cottonseed there,” Johnson said. “There’s a chance we’ll be shipping cottonseed there (from other cotton-producing states) because we still have two large oil mills in Texas, and Texas is the fourth largest dairy state in the U.S. You’re not going to see cottonseed leaving the state, which is driving up the price for producers everywhere.”

Cottonseed supplier Amy May Hopper with The Andersons echoed Johnson’s concerns about whole cottonseed supply.

“It is going to be a very tough year for everyone, I’m afraid, both on the cotton side and on the dairy side,” Hopper said. “With palm oil prices coming down, we’re seeing pretty heavy rationing on our end from the dairy sector. And we need to see rationing. But now the question is are we over-rationing? Do we have enough fiber in the country?”

These challenges leave producers wondering how to ensure they’re buying whole cottonseed at an appropriate price and how to guarantee they’ll have the supply they need to feed their herd. For Hopper, developing a good relationship between producer and supplier is the first step toward facing these challenges.

“When you’re looking to buy whole cottonseed, visit with a few different suppliers. Different suppliers have different competitive advantages and niches in the market, and you’re trying to find the right supplier for you,” Hopper said. “Get a quote but consider if that partner is a long-term fit for you. Once a contract is executed and delivery happens, make sure you follow through with the supplier to make sure that expectations are communicated throughout the process.”

Developing a good relationship with your supplier can help producers lock in the best price for their cottonseed. Hopper recommends checking in with your supplier frequently to discuss the whole cottonseed market outlook.

“When the market’s heading down, layer in contracts for your usage throughout the years,” Hopper said. “Set goals for your pricing. Say to your supplier, ‘Hey I have x percent in, and I’m looking to get to x. If it gets to x level, give me a shout.’ That’s helpful on my end in helping our counterparties meet their pricing goals.”

Quam reiterated the importance of developing a relationship with your supplier to get the best price on feed.

“It’s not so much that I’m going to the closest place or the most convenient place,” Quam said. “I’m going to the place that can give me the diet I want at the price I want.” One factor he considers when choosing a cottonseed supplier is the supplier’s rail access because he knows that transportation makes a huge difference in the price the end user pays.

When it comes down to it, it is a challenge for producers to try to find dips in the market since there are so many factors driving the price of whole cottonseed. In Johnson’s words, “If it fits in the ration for you, you need to just buy it. Trying to figure out the low is difficult.”

Quam described the issue a little differently. “Elite athletes don’t work off of junk food, and neither do these animals,” Quam said. “For me, it has a lot to do with the quality of the feed and the quality of the ingredients I’m putting into the feed.”

Use the Cottonseed Marketplace to connect with a whole cottonseed supplier in your region.

¹ Kellogg, D.W., Pennington, J.A., Johnson, Z.B. and Panivivat, R. (2001). Survey of management practices used for the highest producing DHI herds in the United States. J. Dairy. Sci. Vol. 84, Supplement, E120– E127. doi:10.3168/-jds.S0022-0302(01)70206–8.

The post Looking for the Best Price on Whole Cottonseed? Get to Know a Supplier and Layer In Contracts appeared first on Whole Cottonseed.

One thing that farmers should learn about before feeding whole cottonseed is the potential for gossypol toxicity. This is a rare complication that can occur when whole cottonseed is fed above the recommended rate of 0.5% of bodyweight for mature cows or 0.33% for weaned calves per day.² When rations are well-managed, gossypol toxicity shouldn’t cause any issues for cattle with well-developed rumens.²

What is gossypol?

Gossypol is a naturally occurring toxin found in the cotton plant that protects it from insects.² Ruminant animals like cattle can detoxify gossypol via microorganisms in the rumen that bind to the toxin so it can’t be absorbed.²

When fed at high levels, cattle can experience gossypol toxicity, which primarily causes heart damage and can sometimes lead to death.³ A 1975 study observed a 700-cow dairy herd in Alabama and found that approximately 25 cows displayed symptoms gossypol toxicity resulting from consuming large amounts of cottonseed meal as the sole source of protein.³ Symptoms included depression, loss of appetite, anorexia, labored breathing and red blood cell fragility.

When fed above the recommended level, gossypol can also have a temporary impact on bull fertility.⁴ Young, developing bulls appear to be more affected than mature bulls.⁴ However, feeding whole cottonseed at the recommended level is unlikely to produce any negative effects on reproduction or general health.³

Lower the risk of gossypol toxicity

There are several things farmers can do to lower the risk of gossypol toxicity and reap the many benefits from feeding whole cottonseed.

• Avoid feeding whole cottonseed to young calves. Once the rumen has developed, cattle can detoxify some gossypol. Farmers should avoid feeding whole cottonseed to young calves until they develop their rumen, usually at 4 months of age.²
• Do not feed above the maximum recommended ration levels. The maximum ration levels for whole cottonseed are 0.5% of body weight (about 5 lbs.) for mature cows and 0.33% of body weight (about 1.5 lbs.) for weaned calves.²
• Avoid free-choice feeding and consider offering a mixed ration. Cattle sometimes prefer whole cottonseed over other components of the ration, which can lead to overconsumption.

“We don’t recommend free-choice feeding because some cows will eat a lot more than others, and calves would be able to eat a lot if they want to,” said Dr. Matt Poore of NC State University.

A 1998 trial conducted in Georgia demonstrated that when mature cattle were fed free-choice whole cottonseed, their intake ranged from 4 to 11 lbs. per head per day, which is problematic both because of the risk of gossypol toxicity and the elevated fat consumption.⁵ To avoid this outcome, farmers should consider offering a mixed ration rather than alternating individual ingredients.

“Alternating individual ingredients rather than mixing them allows animals to eat more or less of feeds they either like or don’t like,” Poore said. “In these situations, it is better to feed a mixed ration. For supplementing cows on pasture, it is a different situation because you are feeding a limited amount.”

• Allow all animals access to the cottonseed at once. Poore recommends mixing whole cottonseed with grain and spreading it out on sod, hay or a feed bunk to ensure all animals have access to it at once.⁴ “The key is to spread it out so all animals can eat at the same time,” Dr. Poore said. “You might think that baby calves would have a problem with that, but the cows eat the seed so fast that they don’t have the chance to get much.”
• Avoid feeding bulls whole cottonseed 60 to 90 days before the start of breeding season. Whole cottonseed fed at the correct levels is unlikely to produce a negative effect on bull fertility, but because bull fertility is so important to profitable beef production, bulls should not be fed whole cottonseed 2 to 3 months before breeding season.²
• Know the difference between whole cottonseed and cottonseed meal. Although whole cottonseed has higher amounts of gossypol than cottonseed meal, the gossypol in cottonseed meal is more readily available.⁶ Processing cottonseed meal ruptures some of the pigment glands, which releases the gossypol. When fed at high levels, this has the potential to do more harm than the gossypol in whole cottonseed.⁴
• When fed appropriately, whole cottonseed shows little risk of gossypol toxicity and offers many benefits to dairy cows, beef cows or feeder animals. Whole cottonseed’s balanced composition of fat, protein and fiber provides a triple nutrient punch cattle need to be healthy and productive. Trial after trial demonstrates that whole cottonseed increases milk production and leads to higher butterfat when added to dairy cow rations.⁷ It also has been shown to be beneficial to beef cattle, providing an effective source of nutrition without any adverse effects on performance or carcass characteristics.⁸

With these tips, you can feel confident you’re giving your cattle all the powerful nutritional benefits whole cottonseed has to offer while eschewing the negative consequences of gossypol toxicity or reduced fertility. For more information about whole cottonseed, click here.

¹ Kellogg, D.W., Pennington, J.A., Johnson, Z.B. and Panivivat, R. (2001). Survey of management practices used for the highest producing DHI herds in the United States. J. Dairy. Sci. Vol. 84, Supplement, E120– E127. doi:10.3168/-jds.S0022-0302(01)70206–8.

² Myer, R.O., McDowell, L.R. (2003). Potential for gossypol toxicity when feeding whole cottonseed to beef cattle. This document is AN130, one of a series of the Animal Science Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AN130 .

³ Poore, M., Rogers, G. (1998). Potential for gossypol toxicity when feeding whole cottonseed. Department of Animal Science, NCSU. https://projects.ncsu.edu/cals/an_sci/extension/animal/nutr/mhp95-1.htm.

⁴ Stewart, L. and Rossi, J. (2010). Using cotton byproducts in beef cattle diets. Bulletin 1311. The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. http://cottonpickin.tamu.edu/General%20Production/Georgia%20Cotton%20Byproducts%20for%20Beef%20Cattle%20B%201311_2.pdf.

⁵ Jacobs, L., Mullenix, K. and Brown, S. (2019). Farming whole cottonseed use in beef cattle diets. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities Extension. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/beef/whole-cottonseed-use-in-beef-cattle-diets/.

⁶ Ely, L., Guthrie, L. (2012). Feeding whole cottonseed to dairy cows and replacements. University of Georgia Extension. https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=SB59&title=Feeding%20Whole%20Cottonseed%20to%20Dairy%20Cows%20and%20Replacements.

⁷ Bernard, J.K. (1999). Performance of lactating dairy cows fed whole cottonseed coated with gelatinized cornstarch. J. Dairy. Sci. Vol. 82, no. 6, pp. 1305–1309., doi: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(99)75353-1

⁸ Warner, A.L., et al. (2020). Effects of utilizing cotton byproducts in a finishing diet on beef cattle performance, carcass traits, fecal characteristics, and plasma metabolites. Am. Soc. of Anim. Sci. Vol. 98, issue 2, doi:10.1093/jas/skaa038.

The post Avoiding Gossypol Toxicity While Feeding Whole Cottonseed appeared first on Whole Cottonseed.

“The market is extremely volatile today,” said Carmen Monson, independent nutritionist and owner of Monson Consulting. “We used to get nervous when milk prices would change by 50 cents, but now they go up and down by dollars.”

Taking all of this into account, and knowing feed is the largest expense in a dairy operation, many producers may be wondering which feed ingredients are worth the cost when profit margins are tight.

Monson believes the answer is different for every operation. Overall, she tries to make ingredient decisions as simple as possible based on herd health, production goals and return on investment.

Whole cottonseed is a feedstuff she typically recommends because it delivers on three key components for milk production: fat, fiber and protein.

“I look at several factors when working with dairy producers. Cottonseed offers good value because of its nutrient composition and can fill in nutrition gaps when other ingredients are cost prohibitive or unavailable,” explained Monson.

Calculating The Value

Creating a ration that’s nutritious and effective is no easy task when supplies are tight and costs are high.

Monson begins by identifying the goals of the farm. She works with a variety of conventional and organic dairies that optimize feed for milk production, milk components and some genetic breeding. Each one requires a different ration to support health and performance.

She then builds the foundation of the feed program with ingredients already available on the farm. Fiber, the most essential nutrient needed in a feed program, can be easily supplied through hay and corn silage. If forages are low, whole cottonseed is an option that’s high in digestible fiber and delivers fat and protein to enhance milk production.

“Cottonseed works well to bridge nutritional gaps. It’s high in digestible fiber, which is great for supplementing low-quality forage. It also offers a slow release of fat since the oil is trapped within the hull, making it a good source of energy that lasts,” said Monson.

When the price rises or supply is limited, Monson often recommends keeping cottonseed in the ration because of its nutritional impact, but she just reduces the amount. Other ingredients like palm fats are eliminated to make way for cost-effective replacements.

“It’s a complex and complicated process but very rewarding when we get it right. Some online tools and software resources I use to help piece together the puzzle are Sesame, FeedVal and Milk Pay,” said Monson. “Dairy producers interested in managing risk should take a look at an app called Zisk aimed at simplifying the process.”

Future Opportunities

Another reason to keep whole cottonseed top of mind is the investments in research and resources that will bring even more ROI to dairy operators over time.

Dr. Susan Jaconis is the director of agricultural research for Cotton Incorporated. She leads the organization’s investments in projects to increase the understanding of whole cottonseed’s benefits for dairy cattle.

“We’re excited to continue to invest in research to learn more about the impacts of incorporating different levels of whole cottonseed in the diets of high-producing dairy cows for nutrient digestibility and milk production,” said Jaconis.

In addition to nutrition research, Cotton Incorporated works to break down barriers often associated with sourcing and storing whole cottonseed. The Cottonseed Marketplace is an online tool that connects buyers with reputable and qualified sellers. The organization is also looking into new technologies with Clemson University to take some of the guesswork out of storage.

“We’re exploring affordable ways to wirelessly monitor temperature and moisture using tools already in the grain industry in the hope this will help producers maintain optimal conditions,” explained Dr. Edward Barnes, senior director of agricultural and environmental research at Cotton Incorporated.

The Answer

With the potential for better milk production and improved ease of handling, the answer to whether or not whole cottonseed is worth the cost may be a resounding yes in the future. For now, it’s complicated. Consult your nutritionist to determine the right decision for your operation.

For additional resources on sourcing whole cottonseed including tackling transportation barriers and how to secure product at the best price, click here to learn more.

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