A simplified process for the elimination of the halphen‐test response in cottonseed oils

Abstract

AbstractSince certain biological effects have been ascribed to the cyclopropenoids that give a positive response to the Halphen test, processes were explored to eliminate this response from cottonseed oils. Heating alkali‐refined, Halphen‐positive cottonseed oils in a modified laboratory deodorizer in the presence of cottonseed oil fatty acids, capric acid, citric acid, or phosphoric acid was found to be an effective method of eliminating this response.These treated, Halphen‐negative cottonseed oils, the untreated Halphen‐positive cottonseed oil, and a corn oil control were incorporated into rations fed to different groups of laying hens. Hens that ingested either the Halphen‐negative cottonseed oil or the corn control produced normal eggs, whereas hens fed the Halphen‐positive cottonseed oil produced eggs with pink whites, decreased pH of whites, and increased pH of yolks on storage, and lower ratios of oleic acid to stearic acid in the yolk lipids.The simple processes presented舒particularly the use of cottonseed oil fatty acids舒appear to offer a practical means of inactivating the cyclo‐propenoids in cottonseed oil and thus eliminating the biological effects attributed to them.