Abstract
Effects of feeding of 9.95 mg free gossypol/kg live weight through cottonseed meal (CSM) were studied in 20 intact male calves fed barley or sorghum as source of cereal during the experimental duration of 210 days. Serum concentration of total protein, albumin, globulin and their ratio did not vary because of protein (gossypol) or cereal sources. Serum level of cholesterol and urea were lower (p<0.05) in sorghum than barley fed calves. Feeding of gossypol through CSM enhanced (p<0.05) serum cholesterol. An interaction between protein and period was observed with respect to serum concentrations of urea, creatinine and alanine transferase. The levels of serum creatinine and alanine transferase increased (p<0.05) following 120 days of experimental feeding in calves fed CSM diets compared to the control animals fed groundnut meal diets. No effect of feeding gossypol was, however, evident on the serum enzymes viz. alanine and aspartate transferases and alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, the source of cereal and protein did not appear to influence the metabolic profile of the calves. Humoral immune response, measured through antibody titre against Brucella abortus S99 innoculation, revealed a delayed and depressed seroreactivity indicative of immunocompromisation because of the phytotoxin gossypol. In conclusion, the feeding of gossypol at the designated levels, although had no deleterious clinico-biochemical manifestations, affected the humoral immune response of the calves. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 9 : 1291-1296)
Highlights
In order to mitigate the perennial gap between the demand and supply of quality protein concentrates in many developing countries including India, efforts are being made continuously to look for alternate feeding resources.Cottonseed meal is one such feed resource produced as a byproduct of cotton oil and fibre industry
The extensive use of cottonseed meal (CSM) is handicapped by its gossypol content because of its potential toxicity
Gossypol is a natural yellow polyphenolic pigment contained in all parts of cotton plants (Gossypium spp.) and other plants belonging to Malvaceae family, and has been the source of potential scientific interest for over a century (Horn et al, 1987)
Summary
In order to mitigate the perennial gap between the demand and supply of quality protein concentrates in many developing countries including India, efforts are being made continuously to look for alternate feeding resources. Cottonseed meal is one such feed resource produced as a byproduct of cotton oil and fibre industry. The resultant undecorticated cottonseed meal (CSM) could serve as a potential source of protein (25-30% CP) and fibre in the diet of ruminants. The extensive use of CSM is handicapped by its gossypol content because of its potential toxicity. Gossypol is a natural yellow polyphenolic pigment contained in all parts of cotton plants (Gossypium spp.) and other plants belonging to Malvaceae family, and has been the source of potential scientific interest for over a century (Horn et al, 1987). Several substances interrelated to gossypol have been characterized and found to be toxic, and all of these substances have been generically termed as gossypol (Pons, 1977)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
