1/6/2023: Cotton: The Fiber of Fabric and Livestock Nutrition


Cotton seed hulls are a byproduct of cotton production that is frequently used as a fiber source in livestock feed. Cotton is most commonly produced for its use in fabric and other textiles used to make everything from medical bandages to blue jeans. 

 

During harvest, cotton bolls are collected in the field and delivered to a gin where the seed is separated from the fiber.  The seeds are then cleaned and processed into cotton, seed oil and a livestock feed ingredient, called cotton seed hulls.

 

One of the main benefits of using cotton seed hulls in livestock diets are that they provide a good source of fiber. Ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) utilize fiber to stimulate the rumen, in turn allowing them to more thoroughly digest other energy sources within the feed.

 

Fiber is particularly important for horses and other equine species.  Equine, like other animals with simple stomachs, have long digestive tracts that utilize fiber to keep the digestive system functioning properly. Fiber keeps the feed moving through the digestive tract, preventing colic and other digestive problems.

 

Cotton seed hulls are a good source of fiber because they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can be beneficial for different parts of the digestive system.

 

In addition to livestock fiber, cotton seed hulls are useful for other purposes such as plant mulch.


12/29/2022: Slow as Molasses in the Winter


It's time for Feed Fact Friday! Let's talk about molasses!

Does your bag of Sweet Feed feel like a rock this winter? Here’s why!
The molasses used in making sweet feed is a type of molasses that is used as a feed supplement for livestock. It is made from sugarcane or sugar beets and is typically mixed with other ingredients to create a sweet-tasting feed that is irresistible to even the most finicky livestock pallet.

Like all liquids, molasses flows due to the movement of the molecules that make it up. At lower temperatures, the molecules of molasses have less energy and move more slowly, which makes it thicker and more viscous, or resistant to flow.In our mill, molasses is heated to 100 degrees before being mixed and bagged into feed. At that temperature it flows like water. However it immediately cools down and begins to harden, just like the water left in a bucket outside.

A couple of tips to keep your feed flowing in the cold temperatures-

Store the feed in a warmer area, even if it’s only one bag at a time. It will be much easier to handle with a little heat.

Bags can be dropped on the ground like a bag of ice. The feed and molasses will crumble apart enough to scoop it up.