Cottonseed meal is a byproduct of cotton production that is often used as a protein-rich feed ingredient for livestock. It is high in protein and energy and can be an effective feed ingredient for cattle, pigs, poultry, goats, sheep, and fish.
Other common names
Cottonseed meal, cottonseed cake, cottonseed oil meal, expeller cottonseed meal, solvent-extracted cottonseed meal, etc are common names.
As a feed ingredient, cottonseed meal is typically used in combination with other feedstuffs to provide a balanced diet for animals. It is often included in feed formulations for growing animals or for animals that are being raised for milk production.
It can be fed to animals in its raw form, or it can be processed into a pellet or meal form for easier handling and storage.
The nutritional content of cottonseed meal
The nutritional content of cottonseed meals can vary depending on factors such as the variety of cotton plants, the location where the cotton was grown, and the processing method used to produce the meal.
The nutritional value of cottonseed cake depends on the method of oil extraction, the proportion of husk and lint, and the degree of decortication.
Cottonseed cake contains gossypol, a phenolic compound that can produce intoxication, liver damage, and reproductive problems in animals.
Main constituents
Dry matter 90 %
Crude protein 36.7 %
Crude fiber 17 %
Crude fat 2.6 %
Ash 6.4 %
NDF 32.2 %
ADF 22.7 %
Lignin 7.1 %
Starch 5.1 %
Total sugars 1.9 %
Gross energy (kcal) 4390 kcal/kg
In general, It is a good source of protein, with a typical protein content of around 40%. It is also a good source of energy, with a high energy density due to its fat content.
It also contains a range of other nutrients, including minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and potassium, and vitamins such as niacin and riboflavin.
Conclusion
Overall, cottonseed meals can be a valuable feed ingredient for livestock, providing a source of protein, energy, and other essential nutrients.
It can be used in a variety of animal feeding programs and can be an effective way to improve the nutritional value of feed rations.
Also, Read- Mustard oil cake for livestock feeds.
