An Evaluation of Low-Gossypol Cottonseed Meal in Diets for Broiler Chickens 1. Effect of Cottonseed Meal Level and Lysine Supplementation

A low free gossypol pre-press solvent meal was incorporated into broiler diets at levels up to 30%. Residual gossypol levels were neutralized by supplementation with soluble iron; various levels of lysine supplementation were examined in an attempt to compensate for deficiencies in the meal and to overcome potential problems with amino acid digestibility. Results indicate that the incorporation of cottonseed meal into the diets did not significantly affect body weight gain and mortality of broilers. The addition of cottonseed meal increased feed intake and depressed feed utilization in a linear manner. Lysine supplementation was ineffective in overcoming this effect. Possible reasons for this response are discussed.