Cottonseed cake boosts profits and improves results for rearing and fattening.

Beef cattle farming is experiencing advancements in production processes, primarily due to the growth of intensive livestock production, notably feedlots, semi-feedlots, intensive pasture finishing (TIP), and intensive pasture rearing (RIP).

Given this context, nutritional management is of fundamental importance for success and achieving results, where animals must perform well in a short period of time, and the use of feed and supplements is vital.

Good nutritional management with the right nutrition requires defined feeding schedules, feed formulas, ingredients (raw materials), quality controls, equipment to produce and distribute feed, as well as trained personnel to conduct all processes.

Article written by Guilherme Augusto Vieira, veterinarian, university professor at VeteAgroGestão, PhD in History of Science.

Since nutrition and the composition of supplements and feeds used in nutritional management account for a significant portion of the total production cost, understanding and seeking alternative, efficient, and economical feedstuffs for use in feed formulation requires knowing their nutritional value, their chemical composition, and their cost.

Given this argument, cotton-derived products are an excellent option for protein-rich feed for beef and dairy cattle. The cotton plant produces fiber intended for textile cultivation, and after the industrial process, three products are obtained for animal nutrition: cottonseed, cottonseed cake, and cottonseed meal.

When seeking the best for your beef or dairy herd, aiming not only for animal health but also for the productivity and profitability of your production, this article presents cottonseed meal, its nutritional composition, and highlights its advantages, demonstrating its potential to yield satisfactory results for your production.

II. Cotton by-products for animal feed

Cotton cultivation is geared towards the textile sector, with cotton fiber as the main product and seeds (cotton kernels) as a co-product of production.

The industrial processing of cottonseed results in edible oils and biofuels, as well as cottonseed cake and meal, which, together with "intact" cottonseed, are used for animal feed, notably:

Cottonseed – Widely used in cattle nutrition, it has average levels between 17 and 221 TP4T PB1, in addition to being an excellent source of energy, presenting around 801 TP4T of NDT2. Its use is restricted in young calves before weaning and in breeding animals (males and females) due to Gossypol.

Cotton Cake Cottonseed cake is a byproduct of the extraction of oil from cottonseed, which, when crushed (pressed and ground), is known as cake. The process of crushing the cottonseed produces large quantities of cottonseed cake, hence its economic viability. It is considered a protein-rich feed, with average levels of 28 to 301kJ/400kcal of crude protein and 801kJ/400kcal of total digestible nutrients. Besides being used in the composition of feed and supplements for beef and dairy cattle, it is widely used as an additive to grass silages.

Cottonseed meal Cottonseed meal, in addition to pressing and grinding processes, undergoes a phase involving the use of chemical solvents to remove the oils contained in the physical structures of the cottonseed. It is an excellent protein source for ruminant rations, presenting average protein levels of 38/40%PB and 68%.

III. Advantages of using Cottonseed Cake – Why use cottonseed cake?

Cottonseed meal is an excellent protein source used without restrictions in the protein portion of beef and dairy cattle rations. It is rich in essential nutrients for the development and weight gain of cattle and increased milk production, offering significant advantages compared to other protein sources, to contextualize:

1. High Protein Content: Cottonseed meal has a high protein content of excellent quality, with a good amino acid profile. This means your animals will have the necessary building processes for rapid weight gain and better muscle development.
2. Energy and Fiber: In addition to protein, it provides energy and an adequate amount of fiber, contributing to the rumen health of your animals. A healthy rumen is fundamental for efficient digestion, which translates into better nutrient utilization and, consequently, lower cost per kilogram of meat/liter of milk produced.
3. Attractive Cost-Benefit Ratio: In many scenarios, cottonseed meal presents itself as a more economical alternative compared to other sources of vegetable protein. By including cottonseed meal in your herd's diet, you can significantly reduce feed costs, directly impacting your profit margin.
4. Dietary Versatility: It can be incorporated into various feed formulations, whether for growing steers, fattening animals, or even lactating cows (depending on the stage and specific needs). Its inclusion should be done strategically, following the recommendations of a specialized technician.

IV. How to use cottonseed cake

To ensure maximum benefit and animal safety, it is essential that the introduction of cottonseed meal into the diet be done gradually and under technical guidance. An analysis of the composition of the meal available in your region and the nutritional needs of your herd will allow for the development of a balanced and effective diet.

In conclusion, the article demonstrated that livestock farmers can incorporate cottonseed meal into their nutritional management, resulting in efficient and profitable production.

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If you wish to access the references or more details about Cotton Cake, please contact the author on Instagram @gvieiraoficial.