What’s our story for dairy producers?
Boost Cattle Performance With Whole Cottonseed
Whole cottonseed is a triple-nutrient feed ingredient, containing protein, available fat and effective fiber.1 This unique composition is especially valuable in cattle diets, making it a sought-after feedstuff for dairies across the U.S.
Fat
Helps improve body condition, which is vital for successful breeding.2
Protein
Supports muscle growth, animal development and lactation.3
Fiber
Supports rumen function and digestive health.4
What Else Do Dairy Producers & Nutritionists Need To Know?
Higher Milk Production and Butterfat:
In trial after trial, whole cottonseed has been proven to increase both milk production and milk fat when added to dairy cow rations.5
Improved Body Condition:
Research has shown that the fat in whole cottonseed improves body condition, which can lead to better reproductive performance.2
Highly Digestible:
Whole cottonseed is highly digestible since its energy is primarily from fat.6
Widely Available:
Since whole cottonseed is a byproduct of the cotton ginning process, it is widely available and often competitively priced.
Hay Supplement:
Can be used to supplement poor quality grass hay for pregnant and nursing cows to supply energy and protein.7
Dairy Advisory Council Members
Cory Colburn
Nutritionist
Genuine Livestock Nutrition Counsulting
Wisconsin
Jeff Hall
Dairy Producer
Hall Dairy | Utah
Kevin Harvatine
University Researcher
Penn State Univ.
Pennsylvania
Larry Johnson
Advisor
Tactical Risk Advisors
Wisconsin
Adam Lock
University Researcher
Michigan State Univ.
Michigan
Carl Old
Dairy Nutritionist
A3 Cattle Company | California
Jesse Peterson
Dairy Nutritionist
GPS Dairy Consulting | Utah
Brett Reinford
Dairy Producer
Reinford Farms | Pennsylvania
Dr. John Robinson
Professor and Extension Specialist
Texas A&M University | Texas
Lee Van Kleeck
Dairy Nutritionist
Van Kleeck Dairy Services | Idaho
Get Involved with the Dairy Advisory Council
Learn more about improving your cattle's ration with whole cottonseed.
1Kellogg, 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.
2Comerford, 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.
3Parish, J. (2009). Protein requirements of beef cattle. Mississippi State University Extension. https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/topic-files/cattle-business-mississippi-articles/cattle-business-mississippi-articles-landing-page/mca_apr2009.pdf.
4Parish, J. (2022) Fiber in beef cattle diets. Mississippi State University Extension website. https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/P2489_web.pdf.
5DePeters, 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.
6Horner, J.L., et al. (1988). Effects of niacin and whole cottonseed on ruminal fermentation, protein degradability, and nutrient digestibility. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 71, no. 5, pp. 1239–1247., doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(88)79679-4.
7Stewart, 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.
