FOODS FROM BY-PRODUCTS 283 



Cottonseed meal is the finely ground residue of the 

 kernel after the oil has been removed from it. In color it 

 should be a light yellow. A dark color in the meal indicates 

 the presence of ground hulls. This may be definitely ascer- 

 tained by putting a small quantity of the meal in a glass, 

 pouring over it hot water accompanied or followed by stir- 

 ring, allowing it to settle for but a few seconds and then 

 pouring off the unsettled portion. If the residue is darker 

 in color than the untreated meal, ground hulls are present, 

 and if successive treatments intensify the dark color of the 

 sediment, the adulteration is proportionate. Cottonseed 

 meal is probably the richest protein food in the market. It 

 contains about 37 per cent of digestible protein. When fed 

 in reasonable quantities and in proper combination with 

 other food stuffs, it furnishes a satisfactory food for all 

 classes of farm animals except swine, and in some instances 

 calves. When damaged by mould or wet, or by undue heat- 

 ing, it should not be fed. 



For cattle, cottonseed meal has been found of great 

 value except in feeding calves. While in some instances 

 calves do well on it, in other instances death has resulted 

 from feeding it even in small quantities over prolonged 

 periods. The difference in the methods of feeding the meal 

 and in the combinations in which it is fed, may account 

 for the difference in the results referred to. Two or three 

 pounds daily fed to young cattle when not on pasture, will 

 prove very helpful in promoting growth. When the accom- 

 panying fodders are leguminous, not less than 50 per cent of 

 the meal should consist of corn, barley or rye. A small 

 amount of wheat bran or oats fed along with it lightens up 

 the ration. 



This meal is excellent for fattening cattle. The 

 proportion of the cottonseed meal and corn to be fed 

 will depend upon the stage of the fattening and the charac- 

 ter of the fodder. The proportion of the corn should in- 

 crease with the advancement of the feeding period and with 

 increase in the carbonaceous character of the fodder and vice 



