FEEDS 413 



can also be inactivated by treatment with chemicals such as ferrous 

 sulfate. It is now thought that many previously reported cases of 

 cottonseed meal poisoning in cattle were caused by dietary deficiencies, 

 largely vitamin A deficiency, rather than gossyjDol toxicity. Cotton- 

 seed hulls are also fed to animals. They are high in fiber and there- 

 fore replace a portion of the roughage in the animal ration. 



Linseed meal, a by-product of the flaxseed crushing industry, is a 

 third important source of protein for livestock feeding. About 100,- 

 000 tons of linseed meal is used annually as a supplement for rumi- 

 nants. This protein source is not an effective protein supplement for 

 non-rinninants since it contains a toxic factor, but it is a good source 

 of calcium and phosphorus. Linseed meal is highly regarded in fitting 

 cattle for show or sale, for it aids in the production of a sleek hair 

 covering. It also has a laxative effect because of the high mucilage 

 content of the hull. This cathartic action is desirable when animals 

 are fed non-leguminous roughage. ^ 



Peanuts are an important crop in the southeastern United States, 

 but most of the nuts are sold for human consumption or foraged by 

 pigs in the field. Peanut meal, when available, is a good protein 

 supplement for most livestock. Safflower meal from carefully hulled 

 seeds is a good supplement for ruminants. Because of methionine and 

 lysine deficiencies, it is not satisfactory as the sole protein addition to 

 poultry and swine rations. Sunflower seed meal is also deficient in 

 lysine. These meals are used to only a limited extent because of the 

 small supplies available. 



Hay and Fodder Crops 



In the fresh green state these feeds contain large amounts of water 

 and small amounts of dry matter. After drying they are characterized 

 by relatively high amounts of crude fiber and ash with small amounts 

 of soluble carbohydrates. The protein content varies with the type of 

 plant. High-grade alfalfa and other legume hays are quite rich in 

 protein of good quality (Table 16-4). The stage of maturity of the 

 crop and the curing conditions are important factors in determining 

 the quality of legume hay. Most of the nutrients are concentrated in 

 the leaves so any treatment which leads to loss of this portion of the 

 plant lowers the feed value of the hay. In humid areas where field 

 curing is frequently complicated by rains, dehydration either in the 

 field or in stationary dehydrating plants is used extensively for the 

 preparation of high-quality alfalfa meal for poultry and swine rations. 

 This method is generally considered too expensive for average farm 

 use for the preservation of roughage. In recent years considerable 



