Effects of Pelleting Whole Cottonseed on Plasma Gossypol, Rumen Metabolites, and Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pelleted whole cottonseed (PCS) on plasma gossypol concentrations, rumen parameters, and milk yield and composition when replacing whole fuzzy cottonseed (WCS) in the diets of lactating dairy cows. The study was conducted in a switchback design using four pens of cows, with two pens per treatment in each experimental period. In each 42d period, one primiparous and one multiparous pen were assigned to one of the two treatment diets; treatments were switched at the end of the first 42-d period. Treatments included WCS or PCS. Both groups received a total mixed ration composed of alfalfa hay, corn silage, cottonseed as WCS or PCS, soybean meal, soybean hulls, molasses, mineral and vitamin mixture, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium salts of palm oil. Pelleting of cotton