Cottonseed "hulls"

Help Support Steer Planet:

lomac

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 22, 2014
Messages
54
I've read all the threads on here about cottonseed hulls. I understand that there's not much in the nutritional value but how about in the finishing look. I have ppl out west of me that sware cottonseed hulls just give there show steers that big bulk muscular look. I know that cottonseed hulls don't/won't replace genetics just like show coat doesn't replace genetics for hair. But it's a edge and it helps and works for alot of ppl. Anyone have experience feeding CSH for that reason and not just a filler. Thanks
 

cowman 52

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 16, 2009
Messages
719
Location
San Angelo Texas
I grew up where hulls were cheap and plentiful, before the oil patch figured they could use them.  It wasn't so much the filler part but the ability to make a ration lighter on the belly and still gain weight. We fed a lot of cattle where the 3 percent rule was pushing the capabilities of cattle but with some hulls, and some adjusting,  that was pushed to 4 and in a few instances farther.  Cattle bellies are meant to run best at ful capacity,  they just do better.  Now some have went to the pelleted feeds, and it works for them but those operations have a better genetic base than a lot of us do.  The last carload I fed 20 head were averaging 4.4 gain and the intake was close to the same.  Had very few digestive problems,  cattle came to the bunk with some vigor and ate all I put out.  This too was before the additive of the week,  all we used out of the ordinary was golden flo and red cell.  Hulls have gotten nearly as expensive as feed here, so doing the beet pulp deal,  and some ground hay.  Don't like it as well but its affordable at least.
 

lomac

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 22, 2014
Messages
54
Yes sir I completely understand. They aren't cheap anymore fore sure. Just paid dang $17 for 45lb bag. Been feeding Show Rite Throttled Up 12% since our steer hit 800lbs. He's now 1255lbs. with 75 days to go. Hes was eating 25lbs of feed a day consistently since 800lbs (never changed the amount)and free choice hay. He started getting a lil runny on us a couple weeks  back. Wormed him and gave 5 sulfer bolus, probias every week. Tightened him up pretty good but started get loose again about 6 days later. Have now pulled back his feed to 20lbs a day (10lb am/10lb pm) and add 3oz baking soda and about 1.5lb of cottonseed hulls per feeding (twice a day) to hopefully tighten him up for good.
    The ppl I was referring have told me to feed the hulls for years though I never have. But like I said, their reasoning is finish and bulk and not necessarily fill. Figured I'd try and hit 2 birds w one stone. Thanks
 

coachmac

Well-known member
Joined
May 18, 2009
Messages
1,006
Location
SW Missouri
We tend to to use hulls to adjust stool consistency esp before we hit a show.  We always keep some on hand and use it in the feed so they know the texture, but when things get a little loose on the back end of the digestive process, we will add more to the ration as a top dress.  Not varying rations helps as much as anything in keeping the gut happy, but hulls never have bothered our calves much. 
 
Top