Advances in gossypol toxicity and processing effects of whole cottonseed in dairy cows feeding

Concentration of trans-vaccenic and rumenic acids in the milk from grazing cows supplemented with palm oil, rice bran or whole cottonseed

“…Cottonseed contains toxic compounds such as gossypol (Zhang et al, 2007) but it has been suggested that gossypol is modified by ruminal microorganisms (Reiser and Fu, 1962). However, there is evidence showing that part of gossypol escapes ruminal fermentation (Mena et al, 2004) and can affect animal health and performance (Risco et al, 2002).…”

“…Effects of gossypol can lead to low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (Velasquez-Pereira et al, 1999), osmotic fragility of erythrocyte, decrease in cell antioxidant power (Risco et al, 2002), productive performance (Santos et al, 2003;Villaseñor et al, 2008), milk production and breathing rate and finally death (Lindsey et al, 1980). Some authors suggest that cottonseed can be used in milking cows at up to 3-4 kg cow −1 d −1 or 150 g kg −1 of their diet without negative effects (Coppock et al, 1987;Arieli, 1998;Zhang et al, 2007), although gossypol concentrations are different depending on the cotton varieties (Zhang et al, 2007). Gossypol intake was not determined in our experiment, but energy efficiency utilization was reduced in cows receiving supplement CS, though cottonseed intake (1.5 kg cow…”

Malvaceae Juss.

“…The only evidence of adverse effects was an increase in red blood cell ( RBC) osmotic fragility at 28 and 56 days and an increase in serum AP activity at 56 days. The low susceptibility of the adult ruminant is not due to microbial or enzymatic action but instead is due to rapid and permanent chemical reaction of free gossypol with soluble protein components, especially lysine and possibly other amino acids, in the rumen liquor (Lyman et al 1959;Reiser and Fu 1962;Zhang et al 2007). In other studies, moderate amounts of gossypol in adult cows caused increased RBC fragility and lysis, resulting in a decrease in hematocrit (Jimenez 1980;Lindsey et al 1980).…”

“…Generally, two types of cotton are grown in North America, Upland (short staple) and Pima (for the Pima Indians) long staple (Zhang et al 2007). Seeds of G. barbadense, Pima, are smooth with little lint; have higher fat, protein, minerals and gossypol; and have a higher proportion of the ( -)gossypol isomer.…”

“…Calhoun and coworkers (1991) fed crossbred heifers a diet of 30% cottonseed for 56 days during breeding. Because of these effects, it has been recommended that cottonseed in feed be limited to about 2.7 -3.2 kg/day (approximately 150 g/kg whole cottonseed) for adult cows when fed for prolonged periods such as is often done with dairy cattle (Jimenez 1980;Smalley and Bicknell 1982;Zhang et al 2007). The only evidence of adverse effects was an increase in red blood cell ( RBC) osmotic fragility at 28 and 56 days and an increase in serum AP activity at 56 days.…”