Utilization of Cottonseed with Low Levels of (-)-Gossypol as a Feed for Chickens

Because of the presence of gossypol, cottonseed is underutilized as a feed for non-ruminants such as chickens. However, gossypol occurs in two forms referred to as (+)- and (-)-gossypol; the latter is significantly more toxic than the former. Recent research indicates that cottonseed with low levels of (-)-gossypol, the toxic form, can be safely fed to chickens. To understand the disposition of gossypol in chicken tissues, we have initiated a study to determine the amount of gossypol in different tissues. We found that (+)-gossypol is more highly retained in chicken tissues than (-)-gossypol. However, once cottonseed is removed from the diet, the levels of gossypol diminish rapidly. The implications of these results will be discussed.