Whole Cottonseed: High-Protein, High-Energy Feed for Ruminants

Introduction

Whole cottonseed (WCS), also known as linted whole cottonseed or white cottonseed (Figure 1), is a by-product of the cotton-gin industry and is a good source of protein, energy, and fiber for ruminants (Arieli, 1998; Mullenix et al., 2022). Due to its high fat and protein content may be defined as a concentrate (Arieli, 1998). On the other hand, its fiber is similar to that of forages in terms of effectiveness in the rumen (Harvatine et al., 2002; Pierce et al., 2024). The nutritional value of WCS depends on growing and harvest conditions, seed composition, ginning technologies, and the proportion of lint (Gadzama & Diaz, 2020; Mullenix et al., 2022). 

Despite its high nutritional value, WCS contains gossypol, which can cause intoxication, liver damage, and reproductive problems in animals (Randel et al., 1992; Zhang et al., 2007; Gadzama & Diaz, 2020). Gossypol has been shown to negatively affect monogastric growth performance, digestive health and reproduction (Abdulrashid et al., 2019). However, ruminants can detoxify gossypol in the rumen, preventing its absorption into the blood (Gadzama et al., 2017; Gadzama & Diaz, 2020). Heat treatment can reduce free gossypol and improve digestibility, making more nutrients available to the small intestine. Reducing particle size and NaOH treatment can also enhance digestibility, especially in low-lint WCS (Mullenix et al., 2022). However, following feeding guidelines and getting a chemical analysis is important to ensure it’s safe and nutritious (Pierce et al., 2024).

The response of ruminants to dietary supplementation with WCS is variable due to its effects on rumen fermentation, which depend on the basal diet (Malcolm & Kiesling, 1990). Nutritionists recommend feeding WCS at about 0.5% of body weight (BW), or 2.3 to 3.2 kg per cow daily (Arieli, 1998; Rogers et al., 2002). Feeding up to 2.9 kg of cottonseed dry matter per cow per day did not affect calving intervals or health issues like displaced abomasum, ketosis, milk fever, or retained placenta (Smith et al., 1981). WCS maintained milk yield and composition when fed up to 9.9% dry matter of the diet to multiparous cows without concerns of gossypol toxicity. However, younger cows are more likely to experience milk fat depression due to biohydrogenation (Pierce et al., 2024). 

Figure 1. Whole Cottonseeds. Source: https://wholecottonseed.com/cottonseed-101/benefits-of-feeding-wholecottonseed/

Nutritional value of whole cottonseeds

Whole cottonseeds are rich in nutrients and can be a valuable feed for livestock. Table 1 below provides an overview of the chemical and nutritional composition of WCS, which has several implications for animal nutrition. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Dry Matter (DM)

• This is the part of the seed that isn’t water. Whole cotton seeds have about 90-93% dry matter (Table 1).

Crude Protein (CP) Content

• This is the protein content in the seed’s heart, encased in the hull, and mixed with fat, which is slowly released in the rumen (Mullenix et al., 2022). With CP levels around 23%, WCS is a valuable protein source for livestock, which could support muscle growth and overall health. Protein is important for animal growth and milk production.
• Used mainly to supplement high-forage diets.
• Rumen CP degradability is about 70% (DM basis) (Arieli, 1998).
• Breeding changes may affect protein concentration and digestibility (Bertrand et al., 2005).

Fat Content

• The fat content ranges from about 16% to 21%. Fat provides energy to animals, especially high-producing animals like dairy cows, but it limits how much WCS can be fed (Rogers et al., 2002).
• Fat digestion and tolerance vary in studies.
• Breeding and growing conditions and mixing cotton varieties during ginning can change the fat content of cotton, affecting feeding recommendations (Mullenix et al., 2022).

Fiber Content

WCS contained 35% acid detergent fiber (ADF) and 45-48%) neutral detergent fiber (NDF), which could aid digestion and maintain gut health.

Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN)

• This measures the overall nutritional value, which is very high at 89-93%. This makes WCS a nutritious option for feeding livestock.

Mineral Content

• WCS contain essential minerals like phosphorus (0.53-0.63%), calcium (0.22-0.23%), and potassium (1.3%). These minerals are crucial for bone development and metabolic functions.

Fatty Acids

WCS contains a mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (Table 1), which are beneficial for animal health Primarily:

• Linoleic acid (C18:2): 56.1%
• Palmitic acid (C16:0): 24.0%
• Oleic acid (C18:1): 15.2%.

Table 1. Summary of whole cottonseed’s chemical and nutritional composition

Adapted from: Sklan et al. (1992). Arieli (1998); NRC (2001); Bertrand et al. (2005); NASEM (2016); Mullenix et al. (2022); Jacobs et al. (2022)

Gossypol in Whole Cottonseeds

• Gossypol: A yellow-pigmented, polyphenolic aldehyde produced by cotton plants to deter predators (Zhang et al., 2007). It limits the inclusion of WCS in cattle diets due to its toxicity, which can cause liver damage and animal reproductive problems (Randel et al., 1992; Zhang et al., 2007; Gadzama & Diaz, 2020).
• Influencing Factors: Gossypol levels vary with weather, cotton species, and variety (Nunes et al., 2010).

Types of Gossypol

• Free Gossypol: The biologically active and toxic form.
• Bound Gossypol: Attached to amino acids (AA) and considered non-toxic for ruminants (Gadelha et al., 2014).

Toxicity

• Susceptibility: Non-ruminants and pre-ruminants are more susceptible to gossypol toxicity than mature ruminants (Randel et al., 1992).

Effects of Gossypol on Male Cattle

Impact on Reproduction

• Gossypol Toxicosis: More prominent in male ruminants, affecting sperm production and motility by decreasing testosterone levels and damaging spermatogenic epithelium (Randel et al., 1992).
• Toxicity Threshold: Negative effects were observed at 6 mg of free gossypol per kg of body weight per day (Gadelha et al., 2014).

Summary of key findings

• Peripubertal bulls fed 8 mg of free gossypol per kg of body weight per day showed increased sperm abnormalities over 60 days. These effects were reversible within 4 weeks after stopping gossypol feeding (Hassan et al., 2004).
• Precaution: It is recommended not to feed bulls WCS 60-90 days before breeding season to avoid potential fertility issues (Myer et al., 2018). Two-year-old bulls were fed 3 levels of WCS for 60 days, aligning with the duration of spermatogenesis (61 days; Staub and Johnson, 2018).

Producer Concerns

• Many beef cattle producers avoid using WCS as a winter supplement due to potential reproductive risks for bulls during the breeding season.

Feeding Methods of Whole Cottonseeds

• Free-choice feeding can lead to increased waste due to trampling or rain (Hill et al., 2000).
• Feeding in bunks or troughs can reduce waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WCS offer a rich source of nutrients, making it a valuable feed option for ruminants. Its high dry matter content, substantial crude protein levels, and significant fat content provide essential energy and support for muscle growth and overall health. The fibre content could aid digestion and maintain gut health, while essential minerals and beneficial fatty acids further enhance the nutritional value of WCS. It can effectively supplement high-forage diets, particularly for high-producing animals like dairy cows. However, due to the variability in fat content and potential gossypol toxicity, following feeding guidelines and conducting chemical analyses is crucial to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy. Proper management and treatment of WCS can maximize its benefits while minimizing risks, making it a valuable component of livestock diets.

Keywords: Whole cottonseed, Protein, Energy, Fibre, Gossypol, Gossypol Toxicity, Ruminants

Digestibility, Beef Cattle, Dairy cows, Milk Production, Milk Fat

References

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