The Power of Cottonseed

May 13, 2026

By Kaitlyn Church

For Mississippi's small-ruminant producers, one of the biggest challenges is not only keeping their herds fed but also keeping them healthy. Parasites are the biggest threat, affecting animal welfare and farm profitability. Now, researchers in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, or MAFES, are turning to a common southern crop for help: cotton.

A new study led by Dr. Leyla Rios de Alvarez, assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and MAFES scientist, explores whether cottonseed, a byproduct of cotton production and a common livestock feed, could help manage parasite infections in goats. The project, Effect of Cottonseed as a Source of Gossypol on Parasite Burden, Reproduction and Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Meat Goats, brings together specialists in nutrition, physiology, and microbiology to understand how diet affects the health of animals threatened by parasites.

"Cotton is an important commodity for Mississippi and the Southeast, and cottonseed is a popular and affordable supplement for livestock," Rios said. "Cottonseed contains a compound called gossypol, which is a type of polyphenol. Other groups of polyphenols, such as tannins, have been widely researched as a natural way to control gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants. We wanted to see if cottonseed could have similar benefits."

Parasites, particularly the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), remain one of the most significant health issues for small ruminants worldwide. This parasite causes anemia, reduces weight gain, and can be fatal in severe cases. For goat and sheep producers, infestations lead to economic losses through decreased performance and expensive treatment costs.

"Gastrointestinal parasites are the main health issue that any sheep or goat farmer will face while raising these species," Rios said. "The barber pole worm feeds on the host's blood, causing severe anemia, and if not controlled in time, will lead to death. It is a global problem that impacts animal welfare and farm efficiency."

Source : msstate.edu

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Whether you're a producer, veterinarian, or anyone invested in herd health, this episode offers a grounded look at where the industry is headed and what everyday habits make the biggest difference.