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Identify gaps in your horse's nutrition program to optimize their well-being.
Cottonseed - Feed Ingredient
Cottonseed is the seed of the cotton plant (Gossypium spp.) and is a byproduct of cotton fiber production. It can be fed whole, cracked, or as cottonseed meal (after oil extraction), and is used in livestock diets primarily for its protein and fat content.
In equine nutrition, the use of cottonseed is uncommon and generally limited due to the presence of gossypol—a naturally occurring toxin found in cotton plants. Gossypol can be harmful to horses, particularly in large quantities, as it can interfere with iron metabolism and cause organ toxicity.
Because of this, cottonseed and cottonseed meal are not typically recommended for horses. If considered for use, it must be from low-gossypol varieties and included at carefully controlled levels to avoid toxicity.
The following equine feeds, supplements and products contain Cottonseed as an ingredient.
Feeds, Supplements & Products
Bloc Cheval Balancer (Shur-Gain)
Health
Mineral Balance
Nutrients
VitaminsBloc Cheval Balancer is a mineral and vitamin supplement for horses in a block format. It contains molasses to encourage consumption and can be fed free-choice.
Cottonseed – Fuzzy
Caloric Energy
Fiber
Muscle
ProteinFuzzy cottonseed is a highly digestible fibre and protein source commonly fed to cattle. The fuzzy seeds have strands of cellulose bound to the cottonseed.
Cottonseed Delinted
FatFiberProtein
ToplineDelinted cottonseed refers to polished cottonseeds commonly used for planting grain. The seeds are high in fat (19.5%) and fibre, but are not commonly fed to horses.
Cottonseed Hulls
FiberHealth
Low NSC FeedsNutrientsCottonseed hulls are a fiber-rich feed additive used to add bulk to the equine diet. The hulls consist of the fibrous outer covering of the seed which is removed during manufacturing of cottonseed oil.
Cottonseed Meal Brazil Coarse Grind
EnergyFiber
NutritionProteinCottonseed meal is a by-product of cottonseed oil production that provides a good source of fat and protein. It is commonly used in cattle rations.
Cottonseed Meal Brazil Fine Grind
EnergyFiberNutritionProteinCottonseed meal is a by-product of the extraction of oil from cottonseeds. It is abundant in fats and protein and is a quality feed ingredient found in cattle diets.
Cottonseed Meal-42% CP
Amino AcidFatMuscleProteinCottonseed meal is a by-product of cottonseed oil production. The meal is what remains following the extraction of the oil. Although high in protein, cottonseed meal is low in the amino acid lysine and not commonly used as a protein source in equine diets.
Cottonseed Oil
Coat QualityEnergyFat
Weight IssuesCottonseed oil is a plant-based fatty acid supplement and calorie source used in the equine diet. It is considered less palatable than other oil sources.
Cottonseed Whole Brazil With Hay
Fiber
ForageNutritionProteinWhole cottonseeds are a valuable fat, fibre, and protein source for dairy cattle. Cottonseeds are not commonly used in equine diets because of the low lysine content.
Cottonseed Whole Brazil Without Hay
EnergyFiberNutritionProteinWhole cottonseeds are a rich source of fat, protein and fibre. This feed is a highly valued energy source for lactating dairy cows. Cottonseeds are not commonly fed to horses because of their amino acid profile.
Cottonseed Whole with Lint
FatFiberProteinToplineWhole cottonseed with lint refers to cottonseeds with the "fuzzy" lint attached. The seeds are high in fat, protein and fibre but have low palatability for horses. They are more commonly used as feed for dairy cattle.
Horse Block (DuMor)
HealthMineral BalanceNutritionProteinDuMor Horse Block is a vitamin, mineral, and protein supplement for horses in a block format. It contains predominantly inorganic trace minerals and is intended to be offered free choice.
Horseman’s Elite Horse/Mare Cubes (Bluebonnet Feeds)
BroodmareFiber
Foal
GrowthHorseman's Elite Horse/Mare Cubes from Bluebonnet is a pasture supplement intended for broodmares. It comes in a 3/4" cube format and contains organic minerals.
KoolSpeed Plus (MAC)
Competition HorsesEnergyNutrition
PerformanceKoolSpeed Plus by MAC is a feed intended to minimize incidences and/or severity of gastric ulcers. It is intended to be used in horses undergoing heavy exercise.
Legacy 16% Mare & Foal Ration (CO-OP)
FoalGrowth
Lactation
MareLegacy 16% Mare & Foal Ration is a higher-protein feed intended for broodmares and growing foals. These horses benefit from higher levels of amino acids in the diet.
Opti-Ferm Horse Tub (ClariFly) (Kalmbach Feeds)
Caloric EnergyHealthNutrition
Skin + HairOpti-Ferm Horse Tub with Clarifly by Kalmbach Feeds is an energy, vitamin and mineral supplement lick. It contains Diflubenzuron, which reduces the emergence of flies from manure.
Opti-Ferm Horse Tubs (Kalmbach Feeds)
Caloric Energy
FlavorMineral BalanceNutritionOpti-Ferm Horse Tub by Kalmbach Feeds is an energy, vitamin, and mineral supplement lick. It contains added molasses and fat for palatability and 10 mg/lb of added biotin for hoof health.
Opti-Ferm Lix 16% All Stock (Kalmbach Feeds)
HealthMineral BalanceNutritionVitaminsOpti-Ferm Lix 16% All Stock by Kalmbach Feeds is an energy, vitamin, and mineral supplement tub. It is intended for cattle, sheep, horses, and goats on moderate to high quality forage.
Patriot Quick Performance (ADM Animal Nutrition)
Caloric Energy
Complete Feed
ExercisePerformancePatriot Quick Performance is a pelleted feed formulated for use when forage supply is limited. It contains 20 - 30% NSC and is intended for mature athletic horses that require additional energy.
SafeChoice Special Care (Nutrena)
Complete Feed
Easy KeeperLow NSC Feeds
Metabolic SyndromeSafeChoice Special Care by Nutrena is a controlled starch formula intended for horses with metabolic concerns and easy keepers. It is a corn-free feed that contains a maximum of 7% dietary starch and 3% sugar.
