Pelleted and Nonpelleted Cottonseed Hulls for Lactating Dairy Cows

In two double switchback trials with 12 cows each, pelleted or nonpelleted cottonseed hulls were substituted for 10, 30, or 50% of the alfalfa hay cubes in a ration containing 50% alfalfa hay cubes and 50% high-energy concentrate.No differences due to diet were detected in total milk production, percents fat, protein, solids-not-fat, or fatty acids in milk.Digestibilities of protein, acid detergent fiber, and combustible energy but not fat were depressed progressively as cottonseed hulls increased in the diet.