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Cottonseed meal

Datasheet

Description
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Common names 

Cottonseed meal, cottonseed cake, cottonseed oil meal, expeller cottonseed meal, solvent-extracted cottonseed meal

Description 

Cottonseed meal is the by-product of oil extraction from cotton seeds. As a protein-rich feed, cottonseed meal is a common source of protein for ruminants, notably in cotton-producing areas such as India, China and the USA, where it is used as a partial substitute for soybean meal.

Several methods are used to extract cottonseed oil, resulting in different types of cottonseed meal (see figure). This situation is slightly different from that of other major oilseeds such as soybean and sunflower, where one process is usually dominant. As a result, there is a wide range of cottonseed meals differing in their protein, fibre and oil content.

  • Mechanical extraction: this traditional method of cottonseed oil extraction uses a circular mortar (called ghani in India, Achaya, 1993) or more advanced technology, such as a hydraulic press or a screw press (expeller). The cotton seeds may be dehulled, cracked, dried or heated before being fed to the press. The resulting cake is dried, ground and then processed into large pellets (Ash, 1992). Mechanical extraction is not very efficient and up to 20% of the seed oil may remain in the pressed cake, depending on the technology used (O'Brien et al., 2005).
  • Direct solvent extraction process: as in mechanical extraction, the seeds may be dehulled, cooked, cracked and flaked, but the oil is extracted by solvent (usually hexane) alone. The extracted cake is heated to eliminate the solvent and then generally ground into meal (Ash, 1992). This method was widely used in the 1980s in the USA (Morgan, 1989).
  • Pre-press solvent extraction: this method combines a mechanical extraction (screw press or expander) step, which reduces the oil by one-half to two-thirds of its original level, and a solvent extraction, which results in a 97% oil extraction rate. The dehulled, cracked, dried, heated or flaked cotton seeds are first screw-pressed or expanded and the pressed flakes or pellets are then solvent-extracted.

Since the late 1980s, more than 80% of the cotton seeds crushed in the USA is processed by the expander solvent extraction operation. On a worldwide basis, due to available transportation infrastructure, hardware, solvent and skilled labor, cottonseed is still being processed using all existing extraction systems (O'Brien et al., 2005).

While some industrial processes include a dehulling step (notably those used in the USA), hulls are not always removed or are sometimes only partially removed, resulting in undecorticated or partially dehulled, fibre-rich cottonseed meals containing in some cases more than 20% crude fibre. Such cottonseed meals were formerly called Egyptian cotton cake (from black cotton seeds) or Bombay cotton cake (from white cotton seeds) (Göhl, 1982). Likewise, oil-rich, mechanically-extracted cottonseed cakes and meals are also available. There is a great variability in the chemical composition and nutritional value of cottonseed meal due to those various processes in addition to the original variability of seeds themselves.

Cottonseed meal is mostly used to feed adult ruminants, who are relatively tolerant to gossypol. It can be a good source of protein for monogastrics provided that its limitations are taken into account, notably the fibre content and the presence of gossypol (see Potential constraints) (Tanksley, 1990Chiba, 2001). Cottonseed meal is also used as fertilizer (NCPA, 2002).

Note on terminology: naming and categorizing cottonseed meals is particularly difficult. Although cake (high residual oil, not ground) and meal (low residual oil, ground) should correspond to different products, they are often indistinguishable in the literature as authors tend to use both terms as synonyms. The levels of decortication are often unknown or not well described. To add to the confusion, hulled may mean either without hulls or with hulls, depending on the author. Also, the term expeller is not always clear, as it may apply both to meals that have undergone only mechanical extraction and to meals that have undergone both mechanical (screw press) and solvent-extraction. Likewise, solvent-extracted may apply to meals that have been extracted only with a solvent or to meal extracted using a preliminary mechanical step.

Distribution 

World production of cottonseed meal was about 14.7 million tons in 2009 among which 10.9 million tons were used to feed livestock. Cottonseed meal is mainly used in the countries where cotton oil is produced. The top 5 cottonseed meal producers are China, India, Pakistan, Brazil and the USA. These countries account for almost 80% of world production and consume 75% of this production as feed (FAO, 2012).

Processes 

Storage

Cottonseed meal is susceptible to mold development when it is too wet, and to dust explosion when it is too dry. Moisture content should be monitored and kept between 5 and 11%. Storage temperature should be between 5 and 25°C. In tropical areas, the temperature of cottonseed meal may rise above 55°C, creating a high risk of ignition. Temperature must be controlled through tight closing and CO2 injections into the storage containers (TIS, 2012).

Environmental impact 

Hexane usage

Hexane has long been the preferred solvent of cottonseed oil extraction, but its use is criticized due to concerns regarding environment (contamination), health (neuropathy) and safety (spontaneous ignition of cottonseed flakes after extraction) (O'Brien et al., 2005). New solvents have been assessed and ethanol has shown valuable properties (Saxena et al., 2011).

Nutritional aspects
Nutritional attributes 

Cottonseed meal is valued as a protein feed, but the protein content is highly variable as it depends on the amount of dehulling and on the efficiency of oil extraction. The range of protein content is from 30% DM for non-dehulled cottonseed meal up to 50% DM for fully dehulled meals. Lower and higher values than these extrema have also been recorded. The fibre content varies accordingly, from 25% (non-dehulled) to 5% (fully dehulled) crude fibre. The various methods used for oil extraction also explain the large range of residual oil present in cottonseed meal. Some solvent-extracted meals contain less than 2% oil, like the other major oilseed meals, but many cottonseed meals contain higher oil values, often in the 5-10% range, and over 20% is possible. The cottonseed meal protein is less rich in lysine than soybean meal (4% vs. 6% of the protein) and since the protein content is generally lower, the total content of lysine and essential amino acids is lower for cottonseed meal (Feedipedia, 2012). The main constraint of cottonseed meal is the presence of gossypol, which limits its use in non-ruminant animals and in reproductive ruminants (see Potential constraints).

Potential constraints 

Gossypol

Cottonseed meal usually contains gossypol, unless it has been obtained from glandless (gossypol-free) seeds. Monogastric animals and young ruminants are highly susceptible to gossypol in cottonseed meal. Mature ruminant animals do not suffer from cottonseed meal consumption but it may affect their reproductive performance (European Commission, 2003). The toxicity of gossypol is described in detail in the cotton seeds datasheet.

Effects of processing on the gossypol content of cottonseed meal

When cotton seeds are extracted, gossypol glands are broken, releasing the gossypol in the cake. The effects of processing (pressure, heating, solvent, duration) on the free gossypol content are variable (Zahid et al., 2003b). In some cases, the process decreases the gossypol content, improving the nutritional value (Jimenez et al., 1989; Nikokyris et al., 1991; Mena et al., 2001; Mena et al., 2004; Guedes et al., 2010; Nunes et al., 2010). In others, however, the process may have no effect, or result in a higher free gossypol content and, therefore, higher toxicity (Morgan, 1989).

  • The screw press method uses heat which increases the binding of the gossypol protein, converting free (toxic) gossypol into bound (non-toxic) gossypol, and the resulting meals have the lowest amounts of free gossypol (200-500 mg/kg) (Morgan, 1989; O'Brien et al., 2005). While heating may cause loss of protein quality owing to binding of gossypol to lysine at high temperatures, the shearing effect of the screw press inactivates gossypol at temperatures which do not reduce protein quality (Tanksley, 1990).
  • The solvent extraction method (with no mechanical and heating step) does not require high temperatures, which limits the gossypol-protein binding, and the amount of residual free gossypol may be up to ten times higher than in screw-pressed meals (1000-5000 mg/kg). Indeed, the direct solvent extraction method may have been responsible for the rise of gossypol toxicity observed in the 1980s in the USA (Morgan, 1989).
  • In the pre-press solvent extraction method, the amount of free gossypol is in the 200-700 mg/kg range, comparable to that of screw-pressed meals (O'Brien et al., 2005).
  • New solvents such as ethanol can inactivate a greater proportion of the gossypol, resulting in safer cottonseed meals (Saxena et al., 2011).

Commercial production of cottonseed meals is now achieved routinely with 1000-2000 mg/kg remaining as free gossypol (EFSA, 2008).

Alleviating the effects of gossypol

Gossypol toxicity can be alleviated through the addition of iron salts. The following ratios of iron to free gossypol have been used to improve growth performance: 1:1 (cattle, pigs and Nile tilapias), 2:1 (broilers) and 4:1 (layers) (El-Saidy et al., 2004; European Commission, 2003).

Ruminants 

Cottonseed meal is a good protein source for ruminants (Göhl, 1982). It is palatable with a nutritive value (for dehulled meals) slightly lower (85-90%) than that of soybean meal. It is among the least expensive sources of protein in some regions (NDDB, 2012; McGregor, 2000). It is for example the main source of protein for livestock in the cotton growing belt of India (NDDB, 2012). However, while gossypol is much less toxic to ruminants than to pigs and poultry, it is still recommended to limit its use to mature and non-reproductive animals, females and males, for short periods only and at relatively low inclusion rates, unless free gossypol content is known to be below the risk level. Generally, cottonseed meal can be safely included up to 15% in cattle diets (NDDB, 2012). The effect of gossypol on reproductive performance in ruminants is discussed below.

Cottonseed meal is a good protein supplement for poor quality forages and fibrous by-products because of its high protein digestibility. Association with a source of degradable energy increases the efficiency of cottonseed meal supplementation (Brown et al., 1997; Bonsi et al., 1997) since it decreases the urinary nitrogen. Indeed, most of the cottonseed meal energy comes from its fat content (for cottonseed meals with a high amount of residual oil) that, at high levels, does not contribute to the development of the rumen microbial population (Bonsi et al., 1997). Both decorticated and undecorticated cottonseed meal have a constipating effect on cattle, which is beneficial in feeds with a high molasses content (Göhl, 1982).

Dairy cattle

In the USA, under typical conditions, even high-production dairy cows can be fed cottonseed meal without adverse effects (McGregor, 2000). Cottonseed meal is a good protein source for dairy cows fed fibrous by-products (straws) or forages of low nutritive value. Generally, cottonseed meal can replace other oilseed meals (soybean, rapeseed, sunflower and groundnut) without affecting milk yield and composition. However, due to the variability of the fat, protein and gossypol content, results are sometimes contradictory. When supplementing highly digestible forages such as maize silage, cottonseed meal can replace soybean meal without detrimental effects on DM intake and milk yield when the diet protein is 16% DM, but the effect is negative when diet protein is only 13% (Coppock et al., 1987). The following table presents dairy cow trials with cottonseed meal included in the diet.

Country Breed Cottonseed meal trial Inclusion rate Results Reference
Brazil Crossbred (525 kg) Substitution of up to 35% of soybean meal 0-14% No differences in intake, diet DM digestibility and milk yield (13.2 -14.7 kg/d) Alves et al., 2010
Brazil Crossbred (525 kg) Substitution of up to 35% of soybean meal 0-14% No differences in milk yield (13.8 -14.7 kg/d) and milk composition Zervoudakis et al., 2010
India Crossbred Substitution of 50 or 70% of sunflower meal 5-7.5% No differences in intake, diet DM digestibility and milk yield (11 kg/d) at 50% substitution Bade et al., 2007
Iran Holstein (600 kg) Comparison with rapeseed meal in TMR 24% No difference in DMI (23.5 kg/d), milk yield (23-24 kg/d) and fat content (3.3%). Lower diet DM digestibility (70 vs. 76%), milk protein content (2.98 vs. 3.08%) with cottonseed meal Maesoomi et al., 2006
Pakistan Crossbred (360 kg) Comparison with sunflower meal with low nutritive value grass 25 or 40% No difference in milk yield (9.2-9.6 kg/d) or fat content (4.5%). Higher weight gain when cottonseed meal replaced sunflower meal Jabbar et al., 2008
Pakistan Nili-Ravi buffalo Comparison with sunflower meal with Sudan grass forage 20 or 40% Higher milk yield (8.2 vs. 7.8 kg/d) and milk fat content (6.3 vs. 6.2%) when cottonseed meal was associated with sunflower meal compared to cottonseed meal alone Jabbar et al., 2009
Thailand Crossbred (440 kg) Increasing levels with straw and cassava chips 20-30% No differences in milk yield (11.5 kg/d) and milk composition. Promkot et al., 2005
Mauritius Creole and crossbred cows Supplementation of sugarcane tops and roadside grass 0.25 kg / L milk Higher milk yield (9 kg/d vs. 4-5 kg/d in 300 d; peak milk yield at 12 L/d). Results identical to those obtained with 0.5 kg/L of commercial feed (17% protein) Boodoo et al., 1990

TMR: total mixed ration; DMI: dry matter intake

Growing cattle

Calves are susceptible to gossypol toxicity because of their incomplete rumen development. It is recommended that concentrates for calves under 5 months old contain no more than 10-15% cottonseed meal (Göhl, 1982). Results obtained with growing calves are variable. In diets for pre- and post-weaning calves, cottonseed meal gave the same weight gains as rapeseed meal or soybean meal (Coppock et al., 1987) or slightly lower gains than soybean meal (Yazdani, 2005). In buffalo calves, cottonseed meal gave higher weight gains when compared with sunflower meal (Yunus et al., 2004). It is probable that those results are influenced by interactions in the diet (level of undegradable protein in the rumen or lignin content).

In growing heifers, steers and bulls, cottonseed meal is a valuable protein supplement and can replace other oil meals (soybean, copra or sunflower). The following table presents trials with diets including cottonseed meal for growing cattle.

Country Breed Cottonseed meal trial Inclusion rate Results Reference
Iran Buffalo calves (86 kg) Comparison with soybean meal 24% Lower ADG (600 vs. 700 g/d) Yazdani, 2005
Pakistan Buffalo calves (100 kg) Comparison with sunflower meal 30% Higher ADG (980 vs. 330 g/d) Yunus et al., 2004
Brazil Growing beef heifers, crossbred (250 kg) Substitution for up to 100% soybean meal as a sole supplement 1 kg/d No difference in ADG (542-570 g/d) Barros et al., 2011
Brazil Growing beef heifers, Nelore (225 kg) Substitution for rapeseed meal in a sorghum silage-based TMR 20% (diet DM) Lower ADG (870 g/d vs. 1050 g/d), lower feed efficiency, similar dressing percentage Prado et al., 1999
Brazil Growing beef heifers, crossbred (300 kg) Inclusion in a maize silage-based TMR 21-22% (diet DM) 780 g/d ADG Prado et al., 2000
Brazil Growing dairy heifers, crossbred (180 kg) Comparison to soybean meal in a maize silage-based TMR 16 and 10% (diet DM) 690-910 g/d similar to soybean meal Santos et al., 2010
Australia Steers, Hereford (232 kg) Comparison to formaldehyde-treated sunflower meal with low quality pasture hay 1 kg/d No difference in ADG (760-775 g/d) and hay DMI (5.5 kg/d) Hennessy et al., 1988
Australia Steers, Brahman (278 kg) Comparison to formaldehyde-treated sunflower meal with low quality pasture hay 1 kg/d No difference in ADG (595-750 g/d) and hay DMI (5.2 kg/d) Hennessy et al., 1988
Australia Steers, Hereford (250 kg) Cottonseed meal compared to Copra meal with low quality pasture hay 0.5 kg/d No difference in ADG (500-550 g/d) and hay DMI (5.2 kg/d) Hennessy et al., 1989
Mali Steers, Zebu (150-200 kg) Increasing levels of cottonseed meal with straw 0.6 to 2.2 kg/d ADG increases up to 640 g/d with 1.4 kg cottonseed meal/d Kaasschieter et al., 1996
USA Steers, Crossbred (294 kg) Increasing levels of cottonseed meal in TMR 8-32% Increasing cottonseed meal decreased ADG (1470 to 1320 g/d) but not carcass characteristics Zinn et al., 1997
Nigeria Draught bulls (285 kg) Used as protein supplement in a straw-based diet 2 kg/d Higher daily work output and slight weight gain (17 g/d) Yahaya et al., 1999

TMR= total mixed ration; ADG= average daily gain

Sheep

Cottonseed meal can replace sesame or groundnut meal as the protein source in diets for rams with a similar daily weight gain of 76.3 g/d and a better feed conversion ratio of 0.85 (Ahmed et al., 2005). Cottonseed meal used in diets for growing lambs gave the same performance as other oilseed meals (groundnut, sesame, canola, soybean). Heat treatment (cooking) improved performance, probably due to a reduction of gossypol combined with increased rumen undegradable protein (Nagalakshmi et al., 2003). In Egypt, adding ferrous sulfate to the diet overcame the lower results observed with cottonseed fed to 6 month old lambs (Ward et al., 2008). The following table presents trials with cottonseed meal in the diets of growing sheep.

Country Breed Cottonseed meal trial Inclusion rate Results Reference
Greece Karagouniko (15 kg) Comparison to sunflower meal in TMR 20% No difference in ADG (200-220 g/d) Kandylis et al., 1999
Pakistan Afghani (34 kg) Comparison to soybean meal and rapeseed meal in TMR 20% Slightly lower ADG (213 g/d) with cottonseed meal than with soybean or rapeseed meal (233-244 g/d) Khan et al., 1997
Pakistan Lambs, Fat tail salt range Comparison of untreated and formaldehyde-treated cottonseed meal 40% Positive effect of treatment: higher ADG (185 vs. 165 g/d) and DMI (1.6 vs. 1.5 kg DM) Khan et al., 2000
Sudan Desert rams (28 kg) Comparison with sesame meal and groundnut meal 8% No difference in ADG (73-88 g/d) Ahmed et al., 2005
USA   Substitution for soybean meal in high concentrate diet 20% No difference in ADG (180-200 g/d) Woods et al., 1962
Egypt Barki males (25 kg) Substitution for soybean meal in high concentrate diet 30% Lower ADG (170 vs. 200 g/d) and diet digestibility (65 vs. 75%), attributed to gossypol Ward et al., 2008
India Crossbred males (8 kg) Comparison of raw and cooked cottonseed meal 40% Higher ADG (88 vs. 79 g/d) and intake with cooked cottonseed meal Nagalakshmi et al., 2003

Goats

Cottonseed meal has been tested in the diets of dairy and meat goats with variable results, as summarized in the table below.

Country Breed Cottonseed meal trial Inclusion rate Results Reference
Australia Dairy goats (< 2 kg/d milk) Cottonseed meal with molasses vs. urea-molasses supplementation with medium quality forage (10% protein) 1.5-3% body weight Did not improve performance compared to urea-molasses supplementation Sarwiyono et al., 1992
Ethiopia Male goats, Sidama (17 kg) Increasing levels of cottonseed meal with low nutritive value forage (9% protein) 200 - 400 g/d Increasing levels of cottonseed meal decreased forage DMI (59 to 33 g/kg W0.75), increased the digestibility of OM (65 to 75%) and protein (41 to 73%), increased ADG (10 to 60 g/d) and carcass characteristics Solomon et al., 2008
Ethiopia Sidama (17 kg) Supplementation of local hay 250 g/d Supplementation decreased hay intake but not diet intake; increased the diet OM (55 to 63%) and protein (55 to 64%) digestibility, increased ADG (21 to 62 g/d) and carcass characteristics Alemu et al., 2010

Toxic effects of gossypol in ruminants

While less susceptible than monogastrics, ruminants are not immune to the toxic effects of gossypol. Its effect on erythrocyte fragility increases with duration and dose, and is age dependent: younger animals are more susceptible to gossypol toxicity than older ones (Matondi et al., 2007). Intoxication with gossypol resulted in decreased hemoglobin and increased erythrocyte fragility in dairy cows fed a high level of cottonseed meal (45% in the diet) (Coppock et al., 1987). Gossypol affects particularly the reproductive performance of ruminants, both males and females.

Males

Detrimental effects of free gossypol fed to male ruminants through cottonseed meal include histological changes in testicular tissue and lower sperm quality. Some of these effects are reversible once the diet no longer contains gossypol. The table summarizes changes noted in young bulls fed gossypol containing cottonseed meal.

Animal type Cottonseed meal trial Results Reference
Yearling beef bulls 2 months Histological changes in testicular tissue indicating detrimental effects to the spermatogenic tissues and associated cells. Partly reversible after cottonseed meal was eliminated from the diet for 2 months Arshami et al., 1988
Young Brahman bulls (20 months, 500 kg) 2.75 kg/d cottonseed meal with 8.2 mg/animal/d of free gossypol for 11 weeks Lower normal sperm percentage after 5 weeks (49% vs. 83%) ; remained low (36-37%) up to the 11th week Chenoweth et al., 1994; Chenoweth et al., 2000
Crossbred Angus bulls 8 mg/d/kg body weight of free gossypol for 8 weeks Significant increase in sperm abnormalities 28 and 56 days after gossypol feeding. The effects were reversible after 4 weeks without gossypol Hassan et al., 2004
Holstein bulls 14 mg/d/kg body weight of free gossypol from 6 to 16 months Increased sperm abnormalities, decreased sperm production and libido. Alleviated by vitamin E supplementation Velasquez-Pereira et al., 1998
Young rams (< 18 months) 12% cottonseed meal Higher abnormal spermatozoa (17% vs. 14%) and histological changes in testicular tissue Arshami et al., 1989
Adult male goats Cottonseed meal with 620 mg/kg of free gossypol for 3 months Lower motility of spermatozoa (77% vs. 80%) and higher percentage of abnormal spermatozoa Zahid et al., 2003a
Females

Detrimental effects of free gossypol fed to female ruminants through cottonseed meal include lower conception rates, lower embryo survival and anomalies in offspring, as summarized in the table below.

Animal type Cottonseed meal trial Results Reference
Lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes Cottonseed meal with 1.68 g/kg of gossypol Lower conception rate (50 vs. 83%) than without cottonseed meal Akhtar et al., 1998
Heifers Cottonseed meal with 12 g/d of free gossypol for 76 days Lower embryo survival Galvao et al., 2006
Pregnant Brahman cows Cottonseed meal with free gossypol (4 g/d) from the last 3 months of pregnancy until the 4th month of lactation Lower beta carotene and alpha tocopherol content before calving but not later. Greater erythrocyte fragility before and after calving. Gossypol was not found in the milk, but calves born from cows fed cottonseed meal showed bone anomalies (especially males) which might have been associated with vitamin D and parathyroid hormone metabolism dysfunction Willard et al., 1995
Pigs 

Cottonseed meal is a protein feed that can be used in pig rations as a substitute for other protein sources such as soybean meal, meat and bone meal or fish meal. However, its high fibre content, highly variable protein content, lower amino acid availability and the presence of free gossypol (see below) limit the use of cottonseed meal in pig diets.

Cottonseed meal in pig diets

When cottonseed meal provides less than 100 mg/kg of free gossypol in the diet, it can be fed to pigs up to 8-15% of the diet without toxic effects (Adeniji et al., 2008; Li DeFa et al., 2000). However, its inclusion results generally in a decrease in feed intake, digestibility (energy, organic matter and amino acids including lysine, threonine, isoleucine, valine, aspartic acid and serine), daily gain and feed efficiency (Paiano et al., 2006; Fombad et al., 2004; Li DeFa et al., 2000; Balios et al., 1989; Papadopoulos et al., 1987). Undecorticated cottonseed meal and solvent-extracted meal (with no mechanical extraction step) could be used up to 10% of the diet; higher levels decreased daily weight gain and increased the feed:gain ratio (Singh et al., 2005; Balogun et al., 1990). In Ghana, in weaner pigs (about 10 kg LW), cottonseed cake could be fed up to 15% of the diet without hampering animal performance, and with a significant reduction of feed costs (Rhule, 1995). In gestating sows fed at 10% cottonseed meal in the diet, premature farrowing was observed (Love et al., 1990). Cottonseed meal was suggested as a remplacement for soybean meal at up to 25-30% of the diet (Fombad et al., 2004; Thomaz et al., 1997). A higher substitution rate (40%) was found to have deleterious effects (LaRue et al., 1985).

The negative effects of cottonseed meal may be due to gossypol content and to the lower lysine availability resulting from lysine-gossypol binding (Batterham, 1989). These effects can be partly alleviated through lysine (L-Lysine or lysine from blood meal) or iron supplementation (40 g/kg FeSO4) (Mello et al., 2012; Moreira et al., 2006; Balios et al., 1989). Cottonseed meal resulting from glandless cotton seeds could be safely fed to growing pigs and fully replace soybean meal (up to 33% of the diet). However, it still resulted in lower weight gains, which could be alleviated by lysine supplementation (Zongo et al., 1993).

The effect of cottonseed meal on carcass quality has not been assessed recently. Earlier experiments gave inconsistent results: 75% soybean replacement with cottonseed meal resulted in less valuable carcass, while inclusion of 16% cottonseed meal increased the melting point of carcass fat (Papadopoulos et al., 1987; Baustad, 1974).

Zinc in cottonseed meal has a low availability in pigs due to the presence of phytates that combine with zinc to form zinc phytate (Blair, 2007).

Toxic effects of gossypol in pigs

Gossypol has deleterious effects on growth and reproductive performance in pigs. The "no observed adverse effect level" (NOAEL) on performance in growing pigs is about 100 mg/kg and toxicity signs usually occur above this level (Tanksley, 1990). 

Effect of gossypol on pig growth

Growing pigs fed a 15% protein diet started showing signs of toxicity and reduced performance when fed more than 100 mg/kg gossypol. Increasing diet protein reduced gossypol toxicity: pigs fed on a 30% protein diet could receive up to 300 mg/kg of gossypol without deleterious effects (Hale et al., 1957 cited by European Commission, 2003). Cottonseed meal containing 146 mg/kg free gossypol resulted in lower feed intakes and weight gains in growing pigs (Fombad et al., 2004; Clawson et al., 1966). Pigs fed diets containing 244 or 400 mg/kg free gossypol experienced symptoms of laboured breathing and purple coloration of the nose and ears, resulting in some deaths (Clawson et al., 1966). At 348 mg/kg free gossypol concentration, no mortality was observed but the weight of the liver and heart increased significantly at all gossypol levels, and the increase was dose-dependent (Fombad et al., 2004).

Effect of gossypol on pig reproduction

Pigs fed on diets containing 55-138 mg/kg free gossypol developed health and reproduction troubles: mortality increased and reproductive performance decreased, particularly in boars. Sows also showed delayed oestrus (Qi LingYun et al., 1984 cited in EFSA, 2008). Testosterone concentrations in blood were decreased in boars fed diets containing 110 mg/kg of free gossypol and above.

Poultry 

Cottonseed meal is one of the main protein sources in some countries, and its use in poultry diets is therefore essential. The main limitation to the use of cottonseed meal in poultry diets is the toxic effect of gossypol and cyclopropenic acids (Nagalakshmi et al., 2007). Cottonseed meal is a highly variable product. Notably, non dehulled meals may have a very high fibre content and are therefore of low value for poultry. Due to such variations, including in the free gossypol content, the effect of a given level of cottonseed meal is not constant (Diaw et al., 2011). Another limitation is amino acid content (particularly lysine) and availability, as lysine-gossypol binding prevents lysine absorption and decreases its digestibility. It is advisable to take lysine digestibility into account when formulating poultry feeds containing cottonseed meal (Fernandez et al., 1995).

Broilers

Cottonseed meal can be used efficiently for broilers if enough digestible lysine is provided in the diet. The level at which cottonseed meal lowers animal performance depends on the level of free gossypol, on the type of cottonseed meal and on the nutritional balance of the diet (Nagalakshmi et al., 2007). A simple weight-for-weight replacement of soybean meal by cottonseed meal is likely to result in amino acid deficiency. Generally, cottonseed meal can be considered to be safe up to 10-15% of the diet (El-Boushy et al., 1989; Fernandez et al., 1995). However some publications report that performance decreased at lower inclusion rates while others found that performance was maintained above the 20% inclusion rate (Azman et al., 2005; Gamboa et al., 2001; Ojewola et al., 2006). At moderate incorporation levels, feed intake can be increased, which impairs feed efficiency (Watkins et al., 1993; Batonon et al., 2015). At higher inclusion rates or when free gossypol content of cottonseed meal is high, the inclusion of iron (as sulfate) or lysine supplementation can help to alleviate the negative effects of cottonseed meal (Henry et al., 2001; Ryan et al., 1986).

Cottonseed meal resulting from glandless cotton varieties does not cause gossypol toxicity and its potential is therefore higher (Diaw et al., 2011). However amino acid digestibility is still lower than that of soybean meal, and care should still be taken when formulating the diet.

The general recommendation is to use dehulled cottonseed meal at rates up to 15% of the diet, with careful attention paid to lysine amounts in the feed formulation. Higher rates can be used when cottonseed meal has an economic advantage, even with a risk of lower feed efficiency. In such cases both iron and lysine supplementations are recommended.

Layers

The main potential problem of using cottonseed meal for layers is the effect of gossypol on egg yolk colour (greenish discoloration, mottling), which occurs mainly after a period of storage (Ryan et al., 1986). Cyclopropenoic acids can also cause a pinkish coloration of the albumen (Nagalakshmi et al., 2007). The problem can be partly solved with iron supplementation, which reduces the effects of gossypol (Panigrahi et al., 1989; Panigrahi, 1992). The effects of cottonseed meal on laying performance depend on the experimental conditions, and particularly on the free gossypol content of the cottonseed meal (Nagalakshmi et al., 2007). Some publications report a decrease in egg laying at inclusion rates as low as 2.5% cottonseed meal in the diet, while other authors report that egg production is good with up to 20% cottonseed meal in the diet (Adeyemo et al., 2008).

Cottonseed meal was tested successfully at 25% inclusion rate in broiler breeder diets, with no detrimental effect on performance and on the quality, fertility and hatchability of eggs (Lordelo et al., 2004; Ryan et al., 1986).

The general recommendation is to limit cottonseed meal to 10% in layer diets, and to add iron when more than 5% cottonseed meal is included in the diet. Higher levels (15%) can be used when egg yolk coloration problems do not have marketing consequences. Cottonseed meal from glandless varieties can be used at 15-20% if feed formulation is adequate.

Quails

Growth performance of Japanese quails was not significantly affected by moderate (11%) levels of cottonseed meal in the diet while it decreased with higher levels (Yannakopoulos et al., 1989). In another experiment, growth was maintained with 30% cottonseed meal (Odunsi et al., 2007). Egg production was affected by cottonseed meal inclusion in the diet of laying quails (Odunsi et al., 2007; Yannakopoulos et al., 1989). However, in both experiments, lysine levels were lower in the cottonseed meal diets. Recommendations for quails are similar to those provided for broilers and layers, and in any case lysine must be adequately supplied in diets containing cottonseed meal.

Rabbits 

Cottonseed meal used to be considered toxic for rabbits and it was recommended to not exceed 5% of the diet (Voris et al., 1940; Casady et al., 1962). However, a daily intake of free gossypol up to 10-15 mg per rabbit and per day was found to be safe, resulting in inclusion rates of up to 15% for low-gossypol commercial cottonseed meals available in the 1980s (McNitt, 1981; Nistri et al., 1983). The maximum free gossypol intake was also frequently exceeded in some studies without any problem. For example, cottonseed meal with 700 mg/kg of free gossypol was used without detrimental effects on growth rate and feed efficiency at 15 and 30% in the diet, resulting in a daily free gossypol intake of about 20-22 mg/kg/rabbit/day (Payne et al., 1988). In a one-year-long experiment, cottonseed meal containing 675 mg/kg free gossypol was included up to 20% with a non-significant positive effect on average litter size at kindling or bucks conception rate (Tor-Agbidye et al., 1992). However, a higher mortality rate of does fed the 20% cottonsed meal diet (8 does/diet) and a reduction of fattening growth rate suggested that 10% was a safe inclusion. If it is suspected that gossypol has a negative effect, this can be suppressed by the addition of 100 mg/kg of iron sulphate before pelletting of the cottonseed (Nistri et al., 1983).

While many studies have focused on the negative effects of gossypol, the decrease of performance can also be attributed to the deficiency in essential amino acids in cottonseed meal (Tor-Agbidye et al., 1992), as it provides only 75 and 80% of the requirements in sulphur amino acids and lysine respectively (Lebas, 2004). If these deficiencies are not corrected, the lower performance resulting from substantial amounts of cottonseed meal in the diet may be attributed to protein imbalance rather than to free gossypol exclusively (Fotso et al., 2000; Mbanya et al., 2005).

In agreement with recent results, it seems reasonable to propose a safe inclusion level of cottonseed meal up to 10-15% in complete feeds for rabbits (Bhatt et al., 2001; Sarwatt et al., 2003; Mbanya et al., 2005; Kpodékon et al., 2009). This proportion could be increased up to 20-25%, or over if necessary (Fotso et al., 2000; Prasad et al., 2000).

Fish 

Cottonseed meal is a potential source of protein for fish. As a highly palatable ingredient, it has often been assessed in order to replace soybean meal in fish diets (Li et al., 2006).

Recommendations

In addition to the presence of gossypol (see below), the fibre content and the low availability of lysine, methionine and cystine in cottonseed meal limit its use in fish farming. Using decorticated cottonseed meal is preferable (Hertrampf et al., 2000). Cottonseed meal is less digestible than soybean meal in many fish species, including rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Schlegel's black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) and the Australian silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) (Chen et al., 2002; Morales et al., 1999; Smith et al., 1995; Wilson et al., 1985). Its digestibility is similar to that of soybean meal in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and palmetto bass (Female Morone saxatilis x Male M. chrysops) (Gaylor et al., 1996; Sullivan et al., 1995). In the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), cottonseed meal compared favourably with groundnut meal, sunflower meal and maize meal and resulted in higher weight gains, and higher feed and protein efficiency (Desai et al., 2011).

Because cottonseed meal tends to reduce feed intake, growth and feed efficiency in fish, the recommended levels are generally low, in the 5-15% range, notably in salmonids (Hertrampf et al., 2000). However, the actual limit depends on the fish species, on the type of cottonseed meal and on the level of gossypol, as shown in the table below.

Species Recommended inclusion level of cottonseed meal Reference
Silver Crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio ♀ × Cyprinus carpio ♂) 40% Cai et al., 2011
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) 25% (replacing 50% soybean meal without lysine supplementation) Li et al., 2006
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) 50% (100% replacement of soybean meal with lysine supplementation) Li et al., 2006
Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), juveniles Pre-pressed, solvent-extracted cottonseed meal with 300 mg/kg free gossypol (50% replacement of fishmeal) Jackson et al., 1982
Nile tilapia ♀ × blue tilapia ♂ 100% replacement of soybean meal Viola et al., 1984
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), fingerlings 32% with lysine supplementation (50% replacement of soybean meal) Kleeman et al., 2011
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), fingerlings 41.25 %  (75% replacement of soybean meal) El-Saidy et al., 2004
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), juvenile 19% Lim et al., 2002
Tilapia spp., juvenile 29.4% (50% replacement of fishmeal) Mbahinzireki et al., 2001
Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt.), juvenile 40% replacement of fishmeal with amino acid supplementation Wu XiuFeng et al., 2010
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) 34% solvent-extracted cottonseed meal Fowler, 1980
Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisuth) 22% solvent-extracted cottonseed meal Fowler, 1980
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), juvenile Mechanically-extracted cottonseed meal (100% replacement of soybean meal) Dadgar et al., 2010
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), juvenile Up to 15% Lee et al., 2002
Salmon and trout growers Up to 15% Hardy, 1998

Toxic effects of gossypol in fish

As in other animal species, free gossypol has toxic effects on fish health and performance, though this toxicity depends on species, size, stage of growth, diet composition and growing conditions (Li et al., 2006), as summarized in the table below.

Species Tolerance level (mg/kg of feed) Toxicity level (mg/kg of feed) Gossypol source Toxic effect Reference
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) 900 1137 Cottonseed meal Reduced growth, increased tissue gossypol Dorsa et al., 1982
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) 336 671 Cottonseed meal Reduced growth Barros et al., 2002; Barros et al., 2000
Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) 1800   Gossypol acetic acid No adverse effect at 1800 mg/kg free gossypol in feed Robinson et al., 1984
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) 1600   Gossypol acetic acid No adverse effect at 1600 mg/kg free gossypol in feed Lim et al., 2003
Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) 520 700 Cottonseed meal Reduced growth and feed efficiency Mbahinzireki et al., 2001
Rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) 250 1000 Gossypol acetic acid Reduced growth, increased liver gossypol level Roehm et al., 1967
Rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) 95 290 Cottonseed meal Reduced growth, lower hematocrits, hemoglobin and plasma protein, ceroid Herman, 1970
Rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) 65 95 Cottonseed meal Thickening of the glomerular basement membrane in kidneys, necrosis in liver Herman, 1970
Rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) 232 362 Cottonseed meal Reduced growth and hemoglobin Dabrowski et al., 2001

After Li et al., 2006.

Improvements in disease resistance and an immune response in fish fed high levels of cottonseed meal and gossypol have been observed. However, practical benefits are limited as the levels of gossypol needed for such positive effects also depress growth (Li et al., 2006). Iron addition has been effective in reducing toxicity of free gossypol in Nile tilapia, including fingerlings, but not in channel catfish (Jiang Ming et al., 2011; El-Saidy et al., 2004; Barros et al., 2000). 

Use as pond fertilizer

Cottonseed meal could be used as pond fertilizer (Middendorp, 1995). However it had no better effect than inorganic fertilizers on phytoplankton or zooplankton development (Mischke et al., 2004).

Crustaceans 

Cottonseed meal can be a protein source for crustaceans, through gossypol and fibre content limit the inclusion rate. It is less digestible than soybean meal for red swamp crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) and white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) (Brunson et al., 1997; Reigh et al., 1990). Practical inclusion rates are 5-10% (Hertrampf et al., 2000) though higher levels may be used.

Species Recommended inclusion level of cottonseed meal Reference
Pacific blue shrimp (Litopenaeus stylirostris) and Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) Up to 20% in a 30% protein diet Fernandez et al., 1988
Pacific blue shrimp and Pacific white shrimp Up to 10% in a 20% protein diet Fernandez et al., 1988
Pacific white shrimp 26.4% in a 32% protein diet Lim, 1996

As in other species, the free gossypol content of cottonseed meal may have deleterious effects in crustaceans.

Species Tolerance level (mg/kg) Toxicity level (mg/kg) Gossypol source Toxic effect Reference
Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) 1100 1600 Cottonseed meal Reduced feed intake, reduced growth, high mortality Lim, 1996

 

Nutritional tables

Avg: average or predicted value; SD: standard deviation; Min: minimum value; Max: maximum value; Nb: number of values (samples) used

Cottonseed meal obtained by a process involving dehulling and solvent extraction

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 90.9 1.5 87.5 94.4 230  
Crude protein % DM 47.3 2.9 40.1 54.4 251  
Crude fibre % DM 12.9 1.8 7.5 16.4 224  
NDF % DM 27.0 4.5 15.8 35.3 58 *
ADF % DM 17.8 2.8 10.5 22.2 55 *
Lignin % DM 6.1 0.9 3.4 7.2 55 *
Ether extract % DM 3.0 1.6 0.4 6.5 152  
Ash % DM 7.4 0.6 5.9 8.7 204  
Starch (polarimetry) % DM 3.3 1.7 1.7 6.9 15  
Total sugars % DM 5.2 0.9 4.1 6.9 13  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 20.0 1.0 19.0 22.2 41 *
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 2.1 0.6 1.3 3.9 72  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 13.1 2.2 7.0 17.2 70  
Potassium g/kg DM 16.4 2.6 9.2 20.8 37  
Sodium g/kg DM 0.9 1.2 0.3 3.9 14  
Magnesium g/kg DM 6.0 1.4 3.0 7.8 36  
Manganese mg/kg DM 23 6 18 43 17  
Zinc mg/kg DM 44 31 19 101 17  
Copper mg/kg DM 117 85 15 198 17  
Iron mg/kg DM 170 52 81 317 14  
               
Amino acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Alanine % protein 4.4 0.3 3.9 4.8 27  
Arginine % protein 11.0 0.5 9.8 12.0 29  
Aspartic acid % protein 9.2 0.4 8.6 9.8 28  
Cystine % protein 1.7 0.5 0.5 2.3 12  
Glutamic acid % protein 19.0 0.7 17.9 20.8 26  
Glycine % protein 4.1 0.1 3.8 4.3 28  
Histidine % protein 2.9 0.3 2.3 3.6 15  
Isoleucine % protein 3.1 0.3 2.8 4.0 34  
Leucine % protein 5.6 0.3 5.1 6.3 34  
Lysine % protein 4.0 0.3 3.2 4.8 38  
Methionine % protein 1.4 0.2 1.1 1.8 32  
Phenylalanine % protein 5.2 0.2 4.6 5.7 32  
Proline % protein 3.6 0.5 3.0 4.6 8  
Serine % protein 4.2 0.3 3.7 4.8 25  
Threonine % protein 3.1 0.2 2.9 3.5 32  
Tryptophan % protein 1.2 0.2 1.0 1.5 5  
Tyrosine % protein 2.7 0.4 1.8 3.1 9  
Valine % protein 4.7 0.3 4.2 5.2 32  
               
Ruminant nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, ruminants % 78.2         *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 78.4         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 81.8         *
a (N) % 36.6   34.0 39.2 2  
b (N) % 61.3   59.0 63.5 2  
c (N) h-1 0.075   0.064 0.086 2  
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=4%) % 77         *
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=6%) % 71 7 58 73 5 *
               
Pig nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Energy digestibility, growing pig % 69.8 4.2 56.0 69.8 3 *
DE growing pig MJ/kg DM 14.0 0.7 11.0 14.0 4 *
MEn growing pig MJ/kg DM 12.7   10.0 12.7 2 *
NE growing pig MJ/kg DM 7.6         *
Nitrogen digestibility, growing pig % 73.8 5.1 68.0 80.0 5  
               
Poultry nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
AMEn broiler MJ/kg DM 10.6 2.4 8.9 13.3 3  

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

AFZ, 2011; Allan et al., 2000; Bach Knudsen, 1997; Batterham et al., 1984; Batterham et al., 1990; Batterham et al., 1990; Belibasakis, 1984; Campbell et al., 1983; CIRAD, 1991; CIRAD, 1994; CIRAD, 2008; Costa et al., 2010; De Boever et al., 1994; Donkoh et al., 2009; Fialho et al., 1995; Guimaraes et al., 2008; Israelsen et al., 1978; Khanum et al., 2007; Knabe et al., 1989; Kumar et al., 2007; Lechevestrier, 1996; Lekule et al., 1990; Maliboungou et al., 1998; Marcondes et al., 2009; Mujahid et al., 2000; Nadeem et al., 2005; Nengas et al., 1995; Nwokolo et al., 1976; Nwokolo, 1986; Oluyemi et al., 1976; Qiao ShiYan et al., 2004; Reid et al., 1987; Santos et al., 2013; Sudana et al., 1986; Tamminga et al., 1990; Watkins et al., 1995; Zongo et al., 1993; Zoure, 1991

Last updated on 19/12/2016 12:00:45

Cottonseed meal obtained by a process involving dehulling and mechanical extraction

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 92.2 1.9 89.7 96.2 97  
Crude protein % DM 45.0 2.8 40.0 49.9 103  
Crude fibre % DM 10.6 2.8 5.5 14.8 101  
NDF % DM 23.7 4.7 13.3 32.5 38 *
ADF % DM 15.0 3.7 7.5 20.7 35 *
Lignin % DM 5.4 1.5 2.9 8.4 39 *
Ether extract % DM 8.9 2.3 5.4 14.1 87  
Ash % DM 7.0 0.6 6.0 8.9 101  
Total sugars % DM 4.6 0.8 3.8 6.6 11  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 21.2 1.1 20.3 24.1 23 *
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 2.0 0.4 1.4 3.1 57  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 12.4 1.3 9.2 14.4 58  
Potassium g/kg DM 16.6 1.1 14.4 18.6 35  
Sodium g/kg DM 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.5 7  
Magnesium g/kg DM 6.3 0.5 5.5 7.2 36  
Manganese mg/kg DM 14   12 16 2  
Zinc mg/kg DM 66       1  
Copper mg/kg DM 17       1  
               
Amino acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Alanine % protein 3.9 0.4 3.4 4.2 4  
Arginine % protein 11.1 0.7 9.9 11.5 5  
Aspartic acid % protein 9.1 0.3 8.8 9.4 4  
Cystine % protein 1.6 0.1 1.5 1.8 5  
Glutamic acid % protein 18.2 1.6 15.9 19.7 4  
Glycine % protein 4.2 0.2 3.9 4.4 5  
Histidine % protein 2.9 0.6 2.2 3.9 6  
Isoleucine % protein 3.2 0.2 3.0 3.4 6  
Leucine % protein 5.9 0.2 5.6 6.1 6  
Lysine % protein 4.2 0.4 3.8 4.9 7  
Methionine % protein 1.4 0.3 1.0 1.8 6  
Phenylalanine % protein 5.1 0.5 4.1 5.6 6  
Proline % protein 3.6 0.4 3.2 4.1 4  
Serine % protein 4.2 0.8 3.1 4.8 4  
Threonine % protein 3.3 0.2 2.9 3.6 6  
Tryptophan % protein 1.1       1  
Tyrosine % protein 2.9 0.3 2.5 3.3 6  
Valine % protein 4.2 0.3 3.8 4.5 6  
               
Ruminant nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, Ruminant % 81.7   76.0 81.7 2 *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 82.5         *
DE ruminants MJ/kg DM 17.5         *
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 13.2         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 82.8   82.5 83.0 2  
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=6%) % 75       1  
               
Pig nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Energy digestibility, growing pig % 64.0       1  
DE growing pig MJ/kg DM 13.5         *
MEn growing pig MJ/kg DM 12.3         *
NE growing pig MJ/kg DM 7.4         *
Nitrogen digestibility, growing pig % 76.0       1  
               
Poultry nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
AMEn cockerel MJ/kg DM 9.4   9.2 9.5 2  

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

ADAS, 1988; ADAS, 1988; AFZ, 2011; Bach Knudsen, 1997; Batterham et al., 1990; CIRAD, 1991; CIRAD, 1994; Friesecke, 1970; Israelsen et al., 1978; Lekule et al., 1990; Maliboungou et al., 1998; Muindi et al., 1981; Nadeem et al., 2005; Neumark, 1970; Parigi-Bini et al., 1991; Pousga et al., 2007; Pozy et al., 1996; Smith, 1970; Zoure, 1991

Last updated on 20/12/2012 17:02:09

Cottonseed meal obtained by a process involving no or limited dehulling and mechanical extraction (no solvent)

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 92.9 1.8 89.4 96.1 148  
Crude protein % DM 37.4 6.3 23.7 52.0 153  
Crude fibre % DM 17.5 6.6 4.2 27.9 145  
NDF % DM 33.5 4.1 29.8 46.1 18 *
ADF % DM 23.3 3.4 18.9 31.1 19 *
Lignin % DM 7.4 2.1 5.4 12.0 16 *
Ether extract % DM 10.8 4.7 6.0 21.3 84  
Ash % DM 6.5 0.9 4.9 9.1 144  
Starch (polarimetry) % DM 2.1 1.5 0.6 5.6 11  
Total sugars % DM 5.0 0.7 3.9 6.0 42  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 21.5 0.8 20.2 22.4 17 *
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 2.2 0.3 1.6 2.9 63  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 11.9 3.2 6.3 17.0 63  
Potassium g/kg DM 17.0 1.6 14.0 20.0 54  
Sodium g/kg DM 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 15  
Magnesium g/kg DM 6.7 1.0 4.8 9.0 51  
               
Amino acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Alanine % protein 4.0 0.9 2.5 4.7 5  
Arginine % protein 10.3 4.0 3.5 13.7 6  
Aspartic acid % protein 8.9 2.0 5.3 10.1 5  
Cystine % protein 1.9 0.3 1.6 2.5 6  
Glutamic acid % protein 18.1 3.7 12.0 20.9 5  
Glycine % protein 4.1 0.7 2.9 4.6 5  
Histidine % protein 3.2 1.0 1.5 4.0 6  
Isoleucine % protein 3.2 0.7 1.9 3.6 6  
Leucine % protein 5.9 1.2 3.6 6.7 6  
Lysine % protein 4.3 0.9 2.6 5.1 6  
Methionine % protein 1.8 0.4 1.4 2.5 6  
Phenylalanine % protein 5.2 0.9 3.6 5.8 6  
Proline % protein 4.0 0.3 3.8 4.4 5  
Serine % protein 4.4 0.7 3.2 4.9 5  
Threonine % protein 3.4 0.6 2.3 3.8 6  
Tryptophan % protein 1.3       1  
Tyrosine % protein 2.9 0.6 1.9 3.3 5  
Valine % protein 4.4 0.7 2.9 4.8 6  
               
Ruminant nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, Ruminant % 71.3 7.5 53.0 76.5 7 *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 72.1 4.4 58.7 72.1 4 *
DE ruminants MJ/kg DM 15.5 0.9 11.9 15.5 4 *
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 11.9 0.8 9.3 11.9 4 *
ME ruminants (gas production) MJ/kg DM 9.1       1  
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 77.5 4.6 72.0 87.0 8  
a (N) % 16.7       1  
b (N) % 83.3       1  
c (N) h-1 0.022       1  
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=4%) % 46         *
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=6%) % 39   39 65 2 *
               
Poultry nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
AMEn cockerel MJ/kg DM 9.1 0.3 8.6 9.5 8  

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

ADAS, 1988; ADAS, 1988; AFZ, 2011; Bredon, 1957; Campbell et al., 1983; CIRAD, 1991; Cirad, 2008; De Boever et al., 1994; Karalazos et al., 1988; Khanum et al., 2007; Mlay et al., 2006; Mondal et al., 2008; Munguti et al., 2009; Neumark, 1970; Susmel et al., 1989; Taghizadeh et al., 2005; Walker, 1975; Weisbjerg et al., 1996; Woodman, 1945; Zoure, 1991

Last updated on 20/12/2012 17:09:32

Cottonseed meal obtained by a process involving no or limited dehulling and solvent extraction

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Dry matter % as fed 90.2 0.9 88.4 93.1 255  
Crude protein % DM 40.0 3.1 34.8 46.5 274  
Crude fibre % DM 19.7 2.2 16.0 24.5 240  
NDF % DM 36.6 5.9 28.3 51.0 43 *
ADF % DM 25.9 4.2 17.5 34.8 45 *
Lignin % DM 8.1 1.5 6.0 10.7 44 *
Ether extract % DM 3.1 1.1 0.9 5.1 195  
Ash % DM 7.1 0.5 6.0 8.0 194  
Starch (polarimetry) % DM 4.8 1.3 2.9 6.4 6  
Total sugars % DM 3.2 1.7 1.9 5.0 3  
Gross energy MJ/kg DM 19.9 0.7 19.7 22.0 15 *
               
Minerals Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Calcium g/kg DM 2.9 0.8 1.7 4.5 65  
Phosphorus g/kg DM 12.2 1.2 9.4 14.5 68  
Potassium g/kg DM 17.8 1.7 14.2 20.2 18  
Sodium g/kg DM 0.9 0.9 0.1 2.0 4  
Magnesium g/kg DM 6.3 0.7 5.0 7.3 19  
Manganese mg/kg DM 18 9 6 30 5  
Zinc mg/kg DM 62 12 50 79 5  
Copper mg/kg DM 11 4 7 16 4  
Iron mg/kg DM 204   107 300 2  
               
Amino acids Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Alanine % protein 4.0 0.4 3.6 4.9 12  
Arginine % protein 10.4 1.0 8.2 11.9 12  
Aspartic acid % protein 8.9 0.6 7.7 9.8 12  
Cystine % protein 1.6 0.2 1.2 1.9 11  
Glutamic acid % protein 18.2 1.1 16.4 20.0 12  
Glycine % protein 4.0 0.2 3.7 4.4 11  
Histidine % protein 2.9 0.4 2.3 3.6 9  
Isoleucine % protein 3.1 0.4 2.1 3.7 12  
Leucine % protein 5.5 0.5 4.9 6.6 13  
Lysine % protein 4.0 0.3 3.5 4.9 19  
Methionine % protein 1.4 0.3 0.9 1.8 14  
Phenylalanine % protein 5.1 0.3 4.7 5.7 12  
Proline % protein 3.1 0.9 2.0 3.9 4  
Serine % protein 4.1 0.4 3.1 4.8 11  
Threonine % protein 3.2 0.3 2.9 3.8 13  
Tryptophan % protein 1.8       1  
Tyrosine % protein 2.7 0.5 2.0 3.4 8  
Valine % protein 4.3 0.5 3.5 5.3 12  
               
Secondary metabolites Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Tannins (eq. tannic acid) g/kg DM 5.1   1.0 9.1 2  
Tannins, condensed (eq. catechin) g/kg DM 4.1       1  
               
Ruminant nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
OM digestibility, ruminants % 68.1         *
Energy digestibility, ruminants % 67.8         *
DE ruminants MJ/kg DM 13.5         *
ME ruminants MJ/kg DM 10.2         *
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants % 79.3         *
a (N) % 41.6   25.2 58.0 2  
b (N) % 54.7   40.6 68.8 2  
c (N) h-1 0.055   0.041 0.068 2  
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=4%) % 73         *
Nitrogen degradability (effective, k=6%) % 68 11 31 76 17 *
               
Pig nutritive values Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb  
Energy digestibility, growing pig % 59.2   59.0 60.0 2 *
DE growing pig MJ/kg DM 11.8   11.8 12.2 2 *
MEn growing pig MJ/kg DM 10.8   10.8 11.3 2 *
NE growing pig MJ/kg DM 6.2         *
Nitrogen digestibility, growing pig % 70.5   68.0 73.0 2  

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

Abbeddou et al., 2011; Aderibigbe et al., 1983; AFZ, 2011; Balogun et al., 1990; CIRAD, 1991; CIRAD, 1994; CIRAD, 2008; De Boever et al., 1984; Dewar, 1967; Erasmus et al., 1994; Erdman et al., 1986; Erdman et al., 1987; Holm, 1971; Israelsen et al., 1978; Judkins et al., 1991; Krishnamoorthy et al., 1995; Lechevestrier, 1996; Lekule et al., 1990; Lindberg, 1981; Madsen et al., 1984; Marcondes et al., 2009; Morse et al., 1992; Mupeta et al., 1997; Papadopoulos et al., 1987; Papadopoulos et al., 1987; Thomas et al., 1984; Vervaeke et al., 1989; Waters et al., 1992; Yamazaki et al., 1986; Zoure, 1991

Last updated on 13/02/2014 13:08:12

References
References 
Datasheet citation 

Heuzé V., Tran G., Hassoun P., Bastianelli D., Lebas F., 2019. Cottonseed meal. Feedipedia, a programme by INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/550 Last updated on February 8, 2019, 14:21

English correction by Tim Smith (Animal Science consultant) and Hélène Thiollet (AFZ)