The Effect of Cottonseed in the Ration on Percentage of Fat and Serum Solids Content of Milk

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Abstract
Studies were conducted on the effect of substituting 2 lbs. of whole cottonseed for 2 lbs. of concentrates in the ration of dairy cows. The expt. was conducted for three 28-day reversal periods using 12 cows. The digestible protein, 13.6% in the basal ration, was increased to 14.16 to 14.93%. The fat was increased from 5.6% to 8.44 to 12.44%; and the 73.7% of T.D.N. was increased to 76.53 to 80.48%. The fat test was 0.13% higher for one group and 0.24% higher for the 2d group with no significant difference in milk yield. There was an increase in fat without a corresponding increase in serum solids. Increased fat in the ration from whole cottonseed produced increased fat tests during the first 21 days, and approx. the same as the control for the last 7 days. Palat-ability of whole cottonseed is a limiting factor when mixed with other concentrates.