Cotton Incorporated Funds Extensive Whole Cottonseed Research

Cotton Incorporated is committed to funding whole cottonseed research. Whether it’s funding research studies or funding open access to ensure research findings are available to cattle producers and cotton industry professionals, Cotton Incorporated continues to elevate key research to ensure producers are in the know about how whole cottonseed can be beneficial to a cattle ration.

“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 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 U.S. 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, contact Ellen Butterfield at ebutterfield@curiousplot.agency or visit wholecottonseed.com.