CottonSeed

 

 

Compiled by: vic

Cottonseed - Cottonseed Suppliers  

  from
 THE U.S. COTTON INDUSTRY

Good Cotton Link... http://www.landofcotton.com/www/lc/links.htm

Cottonseed Digest...Coast Publishing Company
PO Box 1320, Pinehurst, TX 77362-1320
Phone: 713-259-0156

Price

Surge



Tom Wedegaertner
Cotton Incorporated
6399 Weston Parkway
Cary, NC 27513
Phone: 919-678-2220
Fax: 919-678-2230

National Cottonseed Products Association
1255 Lynnfield Road, Suite 143
PO Box 172267
Memphis, TN 38187-2267
Phone: 901-682-0800

National Cottonseed Products Association

National Cottonseed Products Association

American Cottonseed Association
1300 Guadalupe, Suite #200
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-478-4429

Alabama Arizona Arkansas California  
Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Oklahoma
South Carolina Tennessee Texas

California Colorado Florida Georgia 
Kansas Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Nebraska New York North Carolina Oregon
Tennessee Texas Washington

Arizona Arkansas California Connecticut  
Georgia Kansas Tennessee Texas

Alabama Arizona Arkansas California   Georgia Mississippi New Mexico
 North Carolina
Oklahoma South Carolina Texas

SUPPLIERS OF WHOLE COTTONSEED, MEAL AND HULLS
COTTONSEED OIL MILLS

MERCHANDISERS
OF WHOLE COTTONSEED,
MEAL AND HULLS
DEALERS

BROKERS OF WHOLE COTTONSEED, MEAL AND HULLS
BROKERS

SUPPLIERS OF WHOLE COTTONSEED
SUPPLIERS

ALABAMA
Tenn. Valley Cotton Oil Mill
(205) 353-4121

Southern Cotton Oil Co.
(217) 424-5526

ARIZONA
Casa Grande Oil Mill
(602) 836-7406

Anderson Clayton Corp.
(602) 447-4243

ARKANSAS
Helena Cotton Oil Co., Inc.
(601) 453-1130

Southern Cotton Oil Co.
(217) 424-5526

Osceola Products Co.
(501) 563-6541

Planters Cotton Oil Mill, Inc.
(501) 534-3631

Delta Div., Osceola Products
(501) 655-8603

CALIFORNIA
Anderson Clayton Corp.
(602) 447-4243

J.G. Boswell Co.
(559) 992-2141

Ranchers Cotton Oil
(209) 443-5270

Kingsburg Cotton Oil Co.
(209) 897-2951

LOUISIANA
Southern Cotton Oil Co.
(217) 424-5526

Yazoo Valley Oil Mill, West Monroe Div.
(601) 453-1130

MISSISSIPPI
Yazoo Valley Oil Mill
(601) 453-1130

Delta Oil Mill
(601) 358-4481

Southern Cotton Oil Co.
(217) 424-5526

MISSOURI
Kennett Div., Osceola
(501) 563-6541

OKLAHOMA
Clinton Cotton Oil Mill
(405) 323-3535

Producers Cooperative Oil Mill
(405) 232-7555

SOUTH CAROLINA
Hartsville Oil Mill
(803) 393-2856

TENNESSEE
Southern Cotton Oil Co.
(217) 424-5526

TEXAS
Elgin Cotton Oil Mill, Inc.
(512) 285-3933

Southern Cotton Oil Co.
(217) 424-5526

Rio Grande Oil Mill
(210) 423-6540

Valley Coop. Oil Mill
(210) 425-4545

Lamesa Cotton Oil Mill
(806) 872-2166

Plains Cooperative Oil Mill
(806) 747-3434




CALIFORNIA
Imperial Western Prod., Inc.
(619) 347-6163

Penny Newman Grain Co., Inc.
(209)-448-8800

M. Rinus Boer Co., Inc.
(209) 432-5055

O.H. Kruse Grain & Milling
(909) 984-2273

Seley & Company
(818) 799-1196

Shanco Commodities Co., Inc.
(209) 685-8057

COLORADO
J.F. Messenger, Inc.
(303) 867-3066

FLORIDA
The Scoular Co., Com. Mktg.
(813) 365-0090

Miracle Feeds, Inc.
(904) 463-6045

Columbia Grain & Ingr. Co.
(904) 755-7700

GEORGIA
Chickasha of Georgia
(912) 883-4580

Ken Faulkner Co. of Atlanta, Inc.
(800) 241-5121

KANSAS
The Scoular Co., Com. Mktg.
(913) 338-1474

MINNESOTA

Agri-Trading Corp.
(612) 587-2133

North Central Trading Co.
(612) 449-0885

MISSISSIPPI
Amory Cotton Oil Co.
(601) 256-3541

MISSOURI
Cargill, Inc.
(816) 751-4000

Farmland Industries, Inc.
(816) 459-5446

NEBRASKA
ConAgra, FMI, Inc.
(402) 595-4740

NEW YORK
The Scoular Co., Com. Mktg.
(716) 662-3000

NORTH CAROLINA
Coastal Cottonseed Inc.
(919) 523-0300

OREGON
Laughlin-Cartren, Inc.
(503) 852-7151

Cereal ByProducts Co.
(503) 238-0884

TENNESSEE
R. H. Miller Co.
(901) 853-3710

Commodity Specialists Co.
(901) 757-1000

Coleman Feed Ingredients
(901) 753-5447

SOFICO Inc.
(901) 761-4730

TEXAS
Schmitt & Kern, Inc.
(817) 280-0033

Western Feeders Supply Co.
(817) 624-1131

Nathan Segal & Co., Inc.
(713) 621-2600

W.H. Nigh & Co., Inc.
(713) 984-8100

Doug Record Co., Inc.
(806) 791-0090

Feed Services, Inc.
(806) 792-4346

LaCour-Dalton Co., Inc.
(800) 262-2670

Wheeler Evans Elevator Co.
(806) 883-5451

Western Hay Co.
(801) 627-0538

WASHINGTON
Gearheart Brothers, Inc.
(509) 488-5242

ARIZONA
Pierce Commodities
(602) 945-5926

ARKANSAS
Owen Smith Trading Co.
(501) 484-7150

J.W. Nutt Co.
(501) 376-0431

CALIFORNIA
Ochsner Commodities, Inc.
(818) 793-5104

Wilks and Topper, Inc.
(415) 362-2602

CONNECTICUT
Gersony-Strauss Co., Inc.
(203) 323-9900

GEORGIA
Vegco, Inc.
(464) 393-2929

KANSAS
Imcor, Inc.
(913) 782-4554

TENNESSEE
Turner Cottonseed Brokerage
(901) 757-8936

Weed Brokerage
(901) 756-4252

Mid-American Commodities
(901) 382-1800

H.O. Toler, Broker
(901) 682-7641

TEXAS
American Brokerage Co.
(806) 359-9952

J. E. Foster
(214) 559-0048

ALABAMA
Farmers Home Gin Co.
(205) 446-8330

Home Place Associates
(205) 365-0077

Servico
(800) 877-5310


ARIZONA
Glenbar Gin, Inc.
(602) 485-9255

ARKANSAS
Epstein Gin Company
(501) 265-2332

Kelso Gin Co.
(501) 538-3282

McGehee Producers Gin, Inc.
(501) 222-4400

Mann's Gin Co.
(501) 295-9151

Portland Gin Co.
(501) 737-2231

CALIFORNIA
Cantua Cooperative Gin, Inc.
(209) 829-3321

Kingsbursr Cotton Oil Co.
(209) 897-2951

M. Rinus Boer Co.
(209) 432-5055

Mt. Whitney Ginning Co.
(209) 884-2161

Penny Newman Grain Co.
(209)-448-8800

Producers Cotton Oil Co.
(602) 447-4243

Ranchers Cotton Oil
(209) 443-5270

Seley & Company
(818) 799-1196



GEORGIA
B.C.T. Gin Co., Inc.
(912) 263-8936

Coley Gin & Fertilizer
(912) 268-4311



LOUISIANA
George B. Franklin & Son
(318) 728-4468

Gilliam Gin Co.
(318) 296-4221

Oak Ridge Agricultural Corp.
(318) 244-6335

Planter Gin of St. Joseph
(318) 766-4901

MISSISSIPPI
Delta and Pine Land Co.
(601) 742-3351

H.B. Hood & Sons Gin
(601) 747-2907

NEW MEXICO
Cottonwood Gin Company
(505) 365-2192

East Grand PIains Service Inc.
(505) 622-8261

NORTH CAROLINA
Albermarle Cotton Growers Co-op
(919) 221-8567

Coastal Cottonseed Inc.
(919) 523-0300

Quality Gin Company
(910) 892-5256

Roanoke Valley Cotton Gin
(919) 537-1733

Weldon Gin Co.
(919) 536-4313

OKLAHOMA
Williams Gin Co.
(405) 482-6806

SOUTH CAROLINA
Bishopville Cotton & Ginning Co., Inc.
(803) 484-5383

Lowder Brothers Gin
(803) 469-3442

McColl Gin Company
(803) 479-4641

Tatum Gin Co., Inc.
(803) 523-5467

TEXAS
Farmers Co-op of El Campo
(409) 543-6284

Port Regional Gin Association
(210) 428-6604

Quarterway Gin Co., Inc.
(806) 889-3391

S.W.I.G.
(915) 581-5441

Yellowhouse Gin Co.
(806) 762-3014

 

Cottonseed Marketing

Whole Cottonseed: A Super Feed for Dairy Cows

[trade ad -  cow]

Click on any underlined title in the body of the document to return here.

Introduction

When seed cotton is ginned, more seed than fiber is produced. For each 480-pound bale of lint, an average of about 780 pounds of cottonseed are produced. Depending on the size of the cotton crop, approximately 5.5 millions tons of cottonseed are produced annually. Texas is the state of largest cotton production followed by California, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Whole cottonseed (WCS) is indeed a very special feedstuff. It has become recognized by dairymen as the premier feedstuff for lactating cows of high genetic merit. WCS has energy, protein, fiber and phosphorus concentrations greater than many other available ingredients. This characteristic makes it ideal for mixing with other, less nutrient-dense, feeds to produce a balanced ration. A comparison of the nutrient profile of WCS with other commonly available protein supplements shows it to be the only one with both high energy and high fiber. This feature is especially attractive to the high producing cow in negative energy balance who is usually starved for both energy and fiber. Its fat content makes it especially valuable for cows under heat stress.

Inclusion of WCS in the diet of the early-lactation cow usually increases the energy eaten while often increasing milk yields. It frequently has a positive effect on milk fat test though a negative effect on milk protein. On balance, the effect on milk price is usually positive. Most computer programs underestimate the true value of WCS because they fail to account for its positive influence on milk production.

WCS does not need to be processed before feeding and it should be mixed with other components of the diet, ideally in a total mixed ration (TMR). The feeding range of 5 to 8 lb per cow per day is usually safe. Careful calculations of free gossypol intakes based on seed analyses should be done if greater amounts are fed, especially for extended periods.

Value and Pricing

The dollar value of any feed ingredient should reflect the nutrients it contains relative to the cost of nutrients in other available feedstuffs. The most comprehensive way to do this is with a computer that solves simultaneous equations given an array of available feedstuffs and their costs. However, these programs have limitations, especially in the case of a special ingredients, such as WCS, which supplies energy in the form of fat, plus protein and a digestible fiber. In addition, the use of WCS will often increase milk fat test, although a small depression in milk protein often occurs. However, the net effect on milk price has usually been positive. Therefore, the value of WCS is often $20 to $40 more per ton than a least-cost computer formulation that ignores milk revenues may show. A simple approximation can be obtained by using prices of: 1) corn to represent the value of energy; 2) soybean meal (44%) to represent the value of protein; and 3) a good coastal bermuda grass hay (CBH) to represent the value of fiber. To arrive at an approximation of the value for WCS, use this formula: price of corn times .90, plus the price of soybean meal (44%) times .25, plus the price of CBH times .50. As a specific example: ($100/ton x .90) + ($180/ton x .25) + ($70/ton x .50) = $170. This value incorporates the contribution of fiber as well as energy and protein, which is crucial to the cow in the first trimester of lactation. During the last half of lactation, fiber is usually not a constraint, and the value of fiber in the formula should be discounted by at least half.

The Value of Whole Cottonseed in Key U.S. Dairy States,
Plus Selected Southern Locations

January 1993*
Location

Hay
Price
$/Ton
*1

Soybean
Meal
Price
$/Ton
*2

Corn
Price
$/bu

Tallow
Price
$/lb
*3

WCS
Price
$Ton

Value of WCS $/Ton*4

High
Prod.

Med-Low
Prod.
[1]

Med-Low
Prod.
[2]

Cent.California

115

226

3.12

.165

174

180.79

170.86

160.15

So. Minnesota

110

217

2.22

.160

175

191.06

151.58

134.8

W. New York

110

205

2.55

.175

171

187.45

156.84

136.28

Washington

100

249

3.67

.18

192

163.41

162.91

183.89

So. Wisconsin

120

191

2.25

.160

176

197.21

163.08

127.95

N. Florida

80

221

2.92

.180

140

177.56

154.02

152.40

South Carolina

80

225

2.71

.180

140

182.35

150.53

146.73

E. Texas

105

200

2.90

.170

158

174.40

156.83

150.97

·         * Reference: Lloyd, Max, 1992. Determining the Value of Whole Cottonseed Fed to Cattle. Cotton Incorporated Project No. 92-753. Clemson, South Carolina.
·         *1 Coastal Bermuda, early vegetative, for Florida and South Carolina. Alfalfa, early bloom, premium-quality for all others.
·         *2 44% SBM for Mn., Tx., and Wisconsin. 48% SBM for all others.
·         *3 Tallow prices are from selected wholesalers and feed dealers. Other feed prices are from the Dairy Profit Weekly newsletter, DPW Publishing Co., St. Paul, Minnesota.
·         *4 Crude protein, energy (NeL), and acid detergent fiber were balanced within the dry-matter intake limits of high producing cows. The same nutrients were balanced for med-low producers [1], to include the value of fiber; but without dry-matter-intake as a limiting factor. Rations were balanced for low producers [2] on crude protein and NeL only -- for a relatively inexpensive forage situation.

Table 1.

SAMPLE RATIONS
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Whole cottonseed is well positioned in the California market and is priced favorably to other feedstuffs. Of all the feeds offered in the sample rations, whole cottonseed is one of only two feeds that remain in at maximum usage across all three production strings.

Even when cottonseed is used at maximum levels, the price can increase significantly before it is reduced in the ration, given the April 13, 1993 cost of competing ingredients. For example, cottonseed prices would have to rise $3 per ton while prices for other feed remained constant before the amount of cottonseed is reduced in the high-production ration. For low-producing cows, the price for cottonseed would need to jump $14 per ton to reduce the level fed. The amount of all other feeds, except citrus pulp, declines as milk production falls.

California Sample Rations

Vitamin/Mineral Mix

100 lbs./Milk

80 lbs./Milk

60 lbs./Milk

23% CP Haylage

33.0 lbs.

23.6 lbs.

24.0 lbs.

1:1 Barley/Corn Mix

15.0 lbs.

11.8 lbs.

9.7 lbs.

Dried Citrus Pulp

10.0 lbs.

10.0 lbs.

10.0 lbs.

Cottonseed

8.0 lbs.

8.0 lbs.

8.0 lbs.

48% Soybean Meal

7.6 lbs.

6.3 lbs.

3.5 lbs.

Table 2.
Milk Price: $11.80
Feed prices: April 13, 1993, Turlock, California

WESTERN WASHINGTON

Wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, western Washington producers generally pay more for feed while receiving lower milk prices. Yet they manage to keep their production levels higher than most other parts of the country. They also take advantage of Canadian feeds and ship in cottonseed from as far away as Arkansas.
Whole cottonseed used in conjunction with home-grown feeds or purchased feeds helps Pacific Northwesterners keep their rolling herd averages well above the national average. Cottonseed, because of its high nutrient density, becomes a more economical feed to ship in than some of the other dairy staples.

Washington Sample Rations

Vitamin/Mineral Mix

100 lbs./Milk

100 lbs./Milk

Corn Silage

23.3 lbs.

0.0 lbs.

23% CP Alfalfa

15.8 lbs.

26.3 lbs.

1:1 Barley/Corn

14.2 lbs.

15.0 lbs.

Wheat Midds

10.9 lbs.

15.0 lbs.

Whole Cottonseed

6.5 lbs.

8.0 lbs.

48% Soybean Meal

3.9 lbs.

0.0 lbs.

Table 3.
Milk Price: $12.30
Feed prices: April 13, 1993, Lynden, Wash.

SAMPLE RATIONS
WESTERN NEW YORK

Cottonseed proves both cost-effective and nutritionally effective for high-production strings in New York. Balancing for 100 lb of daily milk at maximum dry matter intake levels, gives all energy sources an even chance. Still, cottonseed is the best choice for high-energy rations in New York. Supporting high levels of production can be accomplished using either cottonseed or another high-energy source. But the cottonseed ration proves more economical, with feed costs at only 28.8 percent of milk income, compared with 29.6 percent for a sample ration using a rumen inert fat.

New York Sample Ration

Vitamin/Mineral Mix

100 lbs./Milk

23% CP Haylage

32.0 lbs.

Hominy

15.0 lbs.

Corn Silage

14.5 lbs.

48% Soybean Meal

9.5 lbs.

Cottonseed

8.0 lbs.

Table 4.
Milk Price: $12.50
Feed prices: April 13, 1993, North Java, N.Y.

SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN

In the heart of dairyland, where most producers grow a large share of their feed, imported feeds still play a critical role. Whole cottonseed, because of its unique nutrient profile, is cost competitive and nutritionally effective for high-producing cows. At lower-production levels, cottonseed has a more difficult time competing with on-farm feeds.

In the Wisconsin sample rations, the cost of the cottonseed ration for high-producing cows drops to only 25.2 percent of milk income, compared with 27.1 percent for the ration supporting only 75 lbs. of daily milk.

Wisconsin Sample Rations

Vitamin/Mineral Mix

100 lbs./Milk

75 lbs./Milk

Haylage

35.5 lbs.

12.3 lbs.

Corn silage

32.3 lbs.

57.0 lbs.

Rolled Corn

14.5 lbs.

7.3 lbs.

44% Soybean Meal

10.5 lbs.

11.0 lbs.

Whole Cottonseed

3.3 lbs.

0.0 lbs.

Table 5.
Milk Price: $12.50
Feed prices: April 13, 1993, Johnson Creek, Wis.

SAMPLE RATIONS
CENTRAL FLORIDA

Dairying in Florida, a forage deficit state, can be a real challenge. High feed costs, especially for premium-quality alfalfa, and hot humid summers, cut into profits. Despite those hardships, Floridians have two advantages: lower whole cottonseed prices and higher milk prices.

Even for lower-producing strings in the heat of summer when feed intakes are low, cottonseed in Florida is a good low-cost ingredient because it provides an array of nutrients, such as fiber, energy, and protein. Cottonseed meal is also priced right in the South, however, special attention should be paid to gossypol levels when cottonseed is fed in conjunction with cottonseed meal or cottonseed hulls (see Cottonseed Feeding Limitations).

Florida Sample Ration

Vitamin/Mineral Mix

75 lbs./Milk

Hominy

15.0 lbs.

Citrus Pulp

10.0 lbs.

Cottonseed

8.0 lbs.

Bermuda Grass

7.0 lbs.

48% Soybean Meal

3.8 lbs.

Cottonseed Meal

1.4 lbs.

Table 6.
Milk Price: $15.50
Feed prices: April 13, 1993, Okeechobee, Fla.

Sample Rations developed by
  • Dairy Profit Weekly
    DPW Publishing Co.
    Trilogic Systems, St. Paul, Minnesota

WHOLE COTTONSEED: ANALYTICAL VALUES

 

Book
Values
*1

Book
Values
*2

Delinted*2

International Reference Number

 

5-01-614

5-01-

Dry Matter (%)

92

92

90

 

100% Dry Matter Basis

Ash (%)

4.8

4.8

4.5

Crude Fiber (%)

24.0

24.0

17.2

NDF (%)

 

44

37

ADF (%)

34

34

26

Cellulose

 

24

12

Lignin

 

10

14

Ether Extract-fat (%)

20.0

20.0

23.8

Crude Protein (%)

23.0

23.0

25.0

TDN - Ruminant (%)

96

96

96

DE (Mcal/lb)

 

1.92

1.92

ME (Mcal/lb)

 

1.74

1.74

NEL (Mcal/lb)

1.01

1.01

1.01

NEM (Mcal/lb)

1.10

1.10

1.10

NEg (Mcal/lb)

0.77

0.77

0.77

Calcium (%)

0.21

0.21

0.12

Phosphorous (%)

0.64

0.64

0.54

Sodium (%)

 

0.01

0.01

Magnesium (%)

0.46

0.46

0.41

Potassium (%)

1.00

1.00

1.18

Sulfur (%)

 

0.26

 

Copper (ppm)

 

9

11

Iron (ppm)

 

151

108

Manganese (ppm)

 

19

14

Zinc (ppm)

 

33

36

·  *1 Feedstuffs Reference Issue. 1992. Feedstuffs
Vol. 64 No. 29. The Miller Publishing Co.,
Minnetonka, Minnesota.
·  *2 Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. 1989.
Sixth Revised Edition, National Academy Press,
Washington, D.C.

Table 7.

MERCHANDISING AND DISTRIBUTION

Since the movement of large quantities of WCS into the feed trade is a relatively recent phenomenon, its distribution channel is in a state of evolution. During the early 1980's, large cotton production in the West resulted in large quantities of WCS moving into the feed trade. This created competition for the cottonseed oil mills' raw material. Less than half the number of oil mills operating just a decade ago are in existence today. The older, inefficient mills have closed and others have become WCS merchandisers. The remaining mills are large, highly efficient and vertically integrated operations that focus on value-added products and customer service.

In very general terms, about 60% of the WCS produced each year is processed into the products, oil, meal, hulls and linters. Of the approximately 40% of the crop sold for feed, about half is handled by cottonseed oil mills or former oil mills. The other half enters the feed trade directly from cotton gins. The distribution channel includes commodity dealers, brokers, feed dealers, truckers and others. In the West, where most of the WCS supply enters the feed trade, a couple of former crushing cooperatives have become efficient and reliable merchandisers of WCS. It stands to reason that merchandisers of WCS who have a crushing background would be proficient at storing, handling, and maintaining the quality of WCS.

During the past few years there have been some wild swings in the WCS market. This was largely the result of inadequate storage capacity, particularly in the South East. Several years ago a similar situation was observed in the West. A large crop produced excess seed and low prices at harvest. The following year, storage capacity was increased. Excess storage capacity has, over time, tended to stabilize the market. Likewise, as more storage capacity is put in place in other parts of the country, the result will be a more stable market beltwide.

The forces of supply and demand determine the price of WCS -- willing buyers and sellers establish the market price for WCS relative to available supplies. Occasionally speculators take large positions that may tend to influence the market, but this is also true of all other commodities since position taking is indeed a major component of supply and demand.
Purchasers of feed grade cottonseed are well advised to deal only with reputable suppliers. Those who are established in the business of storing and handling cottonseed are more likely to provide high quality seed that is traded under established Trading Rules. WCS should not be stockpiled for extended periods unless one is thoroughly familiar with proper storage conditions ( See Cottonseed Storage and Handling, Page 9). If one wishes to have a guaranteed supply of WCS for several months or a year, then a more logical approach would be to forward contact for future delivery. This places the responsibility of proper storage on the supplier.

COTTONSEED FEEDING LIMITATIONS

When WCS is a particularly good buy, a reasonable question is: how much can one feed?

Most dairymen in the South and West feed from 5 to 8 lb per cow per day. As a percentage of the total diet dry matter in a TMR, this is about 15%. But this doesn't really tell one how much could be fed for extended periods, say more than 6 months. The concern about the safety of high levels stems from the presence of a compound called gossypol. Research conducted at Auburn University suggests that 24 grams of free gossypol is the approximate upper limit for the lactating cow. This would allow the feeding of up to 10 lb per cow per day if the free gossypol is 0.50% or less in the whole seed. When feeding more than 8 lb per cow per day, one should have an analysis for gossypol run in order to determine the exact amount of free gossypol being fed. The analyses are usually expressed as a percentage of the kernel (meal plus oil); to convert the percentage of gossypol in the kernel to the percentage present in the whole seed, multiply by .68. For example; if a kernel contains 0.92% gossypol, the equivalent amount in the whole seed would be 0.63%. If cottonseed meal and/or cottonseed hulls are also being fed, their contribution to the total free gossypol intake needs to be included also, even though they have much less free gossypol than WCS.

Problems have also been encountered with aflatoxin production by molds in cottonseed. Molds may develop either in the field or in storage. Purchasing agreements should state clearly that the WCS should have less than some specific amount of aflatoxin (20 ppb is the legal limit for feed used in dairy rations). Then the seed should be stored on a well-drained pad protected from rain.

COTTONSEED STORAGE AND HANDLING

Characteristics of Cottonseed
The bulk density of gin-run cottonseed averages about 25 lb/ft3. Cottonseed is hygroscopic and therefore absorbs moisture from, or gives up moisture to, the surrounding air. Storage temperatures below 60°F and 10% moisture content wet basis (mc w.b.) provide best storage conditions. Over many months of storage, cottonseed will retain its greatest value under conditions where it is covered and air is drawn through the pile to reduce and control the temperature and moisture level.
Whole, fuzzy cottonseed has some unique characteristics which make it difficult to handle with common grain handling facilities. Unlike grain, cottonseed has a variable angle of repose. The angle of repose when an unrestricted pile of cottonseed is formed is about 45°. However, after the seeds have settled, they will bridge -- an indication that the angle of repose is greater than 90°. This can create a hazardous situation. Extreme caution must be exercised when handling large volumes of cottonseed to ensure that hazardous situations do not jeopardize worker safety.

Basic Properties of Cottonseed and Cottonseed Products

Product
Bulk Density
(lb/ft3)
Volume
(ft3/ton)
Weight
(lb/bu)
Count
(seed/lb)

Whole Seed Loose

20 (18-25)*1

100

32

1,800-2,400

<24 ft deep

25

80

 

 

24-50 ft deep

27

75

 

 

>50 ft deep

30

70

 

 

Mach. Delinted

35 (25-35)*1

57

44

2,400-3,200

Acid Delinted

34-37

54

42-46

4,800-5,600

Meal (extracted)

38 (37-40)*1

53

 

 

Hulls

12(1)

167

 

 

Oil

57

35

 

 

*1 Source: 1992 Feedstuffs Reference Issue. Vol. 64 No. 29.

Table 8.

TRADING RULES FOR FEED GRADE COTTONSEED

(1) National Cottonseed Products Association (NCPA)

The NCPA is a national trade organization that represents cottonseed crushers, WCS merchandisers, dealers, brokers, chemists, and other allied interests.

Chapter XIII Article 2. Grade and Quality
Rule F-4: Prime Feed Grade Cottonseed.

Prime Feed Grade Cottonseed shall meet the following criteria: Foreign substances shall not exceed 2 percent. Moisture shall not exceed 13 percent. Free fatty acids in the oil shall not exceed 3 percent. Crude protein and crude fat (dry matter basis) will be at least 34 percent when the separate totals for each are combined.
Cottonseed of the Pima variety or other varieties of long staple cotton containing 3 percent or less residual lint on seed after ginning, or admixtures containing such seed must be identified as such at the time of sale.

Rule F-5: Delinted Prime Feed Grade Cottonseed.

Delinted prime feed grade cottonseed shall be mechanically delinted. Lint on seed shall not exceed 5 percent. Foreign substances shall not exceed 1 percent. Moisture shall not exceed 13 percent. Free fatty acids in oil shall not exceed 3 percent. Crude protein and crude fat (dry matter basis) will be at least 37-1/2 percent when the separate totals for each are combined.

Rule F-6: Feed Grade Cottonseed, Off Quality.

Feed Grade Cottonseed, off quality, are those that do not meet the specifications of Rule F-4.

(2) American Cottonseed Association (ACA)

The ACA is a national trade organization that primarily represents WCS interests such as suppliers, brokers and dealers.

SECTION 11 -- COTTONSEED STANDARDS
Rule 52 -- Grade

A. COTTONSEED
1. Premium Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free of offensive odors. Foreign matter shall not exceed one (1) percent. Moisture shall not exceed eleven (11%) percent. Free fatty acids in the oil shall not exceed three (3%) percent. Crude protein and crude fat will be at least thirty-eight (38%) on a dry matter basis when the separate totals for each are combined.
2. Prime Feed Grade Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free from offensive odor. Foreign substances shall not exceed two (2%) percent. Moisture shall not exceed thirteen (13%) percent. Free fatty acids in the oil shall not exceed three (3%) percent. Crude protein and crude fat (dry matter basis) will be at least thirty-four (34%) percent when the separate totals for each are combined.
3. Gin Run Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty and free of offensive odors.

B. DELINTED COTTONSEED
1. Premium Delinted Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free from offensive odors. Foreign matter shall not exceed one (1%) percent. Moisture shall not exceed eleven (11%) percent. Crude protein and crude fat shall be at least thirty-nine (39%) percent on a dry matter basis when the separate totals of each are combined. Retained lint shall not exceed five (5%) percent.
2. Prime Delinted Feed Grade Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free from offensive odor. Lint on seed shall not exceed five (5%) percent. Foreign matter shall not exceed three (3%) percent. Crude protein and crude fat (dry matter basis) will be at least thirty-seven and one-half (37-1/2%) percent when the separate totals for each are combined.
3. Gin Run Delinted Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free of offensive odors.

C. PIMA COTTONSEED
1. Premium Pima Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free of offensive odors. Foreign matter shall not exceed one (1%) percent. Moisture shall not exceed eleven (11%) percent. Free fatty acids in the oil shall not exceed three (3%) percent. Crude protein and crude fat will be at least thirty-nine (39%) percent on a (dry matter basis) when the separate totals for each are combined.
2. Prime Feed Grade Pima Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free from offensive odors. Foreign matter shall not exceed four (4%) percent. Moisture shall not exceed thirteen (13%) percent. Free fatty acids in the oil shall not exceed three (3%) percent. Crude protein and crude fat will be at least thirty-seven and one-half (37-1/2%) percent on a (dry matter basis) when the separate totals for each are combined.
3. Gin Run Pima Cottonseed shall be sound, not musty, and free of offensive odors.

D. OFF QUALITY COTTONSEED
1. Off Quality Cottonseed shall be such cottonseed not meeting the standards as set froth in A, B and C of Rule 52.

NOTE: When cottonseed is traded under any of the above rules, the sales contract should indicate the organization and the specific grade designation.

Terms and Definitions

Whole Cottonseed (WCS) -- This term refers to fuzzy seed from upland varieties of cotton.
Pima Cottonseed -- This is the seed from pima varieties of cotton, also known as extra long staple (ELS) cotton. It represents a small percentage (about 2%) of US cotton. Pima seed is genetically devoid of linters, the fuzz that covers the seed of upland varieties. Some nutritionists recommend that Pima seed be cracked prior to feeding.
Delinted Cottonseed -- There are two processes used for delinting cottonseed, mechanical and acid. Mechanically delinted is the most common form of delinted seed available in the feed trade. Mechanically delinted seed retains about 1-2% residual linters which usually appear on the ends of the seeds. Acid delinting is a process that completely removes all linters. This process is used for the production of planting seed. At certain times during the year, quantities of culled, or leftover planting seed, become available to the feed trade. Beware of such planting seed unless one can demonstrate that it does not contain chemical seed treatments.

Tables Index

This is a list of all the tables in this report. Click on the text to jump to that table.

  1. Value of Whole Cottonseed in key U.S. Dairy States.
  2. California Sample Rations
  3. Washington Sample Rations
  4. New York Sample Ration
  5. Wisconsin Sample Rations
  6. Florida Sample Ration
  7. Whole Cottonseed Analytical Values
  8. Basic Properties of Cottonseed and Cottonseed Products

For further information please contact:

Tom Wedegaertner
Cotton Incorporated
6399 Weston Parkway
Cary, NC 27513
Phone: 919-678-2220
Fax: 919-678-2230

This publication was printed by Cotton Incorporated. Additional copies may be requested by calling the Agricultural Research Division of Cotton Incorporated. Telephone 919-678-2220.

The statements, recommendations and suggestions contained herein are based on experiments and information believed to be reliable only with regard to the products and/or processes involved at the time. No guarantee is made of their accuracy, however, and the information is given without warranty as to its accuracy or reproducibility either express or implied, and does not authorize use of the information for purposes of advertisement or product endorsement or certification. Likewise, no statement contained herein shall be construed as a permission or recommendation for the use of any information, product or process that may infringe any existing patents. The use of trade names does not constitute endorsement of any product mentioned, nor is permission granted to use the name Cotton Incorporated or any of its trademarks in conjunction with the products involved.