Developing Low (-)-Gossypol Cottonseed for Use in Broiler Production

Cottonseed can not be used directly as a feed for non-ruminant animals because it contains the toxin gossypol; gossypol occurs as a mixture of (+)-gossypol and (-)-gossypol enantiomers.  Only the latter shows a high level of toxicity.  Under the project CRDF Uzb2-31001-TA-08 we conducted experiments to develop cotton varieties that exhibit a low percentage of (‑)‑gossypol in seed to provide meal that could be fed to chickens.  Crossing Uzbek cotton varieties with USA accessions provided recombinants with a low percentage of (-)-gossypol in seed and with good agronomic properties suitable for growing in Uzbekistan.  Results of this investigation resulted in the development of the cotton line HPG-1.  Meal derived from lines exhibiting the low (-)-gossypol seed trait were incorporated into chicken diets at 5% and 10% in place of soybean meal. Results of feeding this meal to chickens will be presented.