Developing replacement heifers is one of the most expensive and complex management decisions for a cow-calf producer and also has long-term implications for profitability.

Last fall, when cottonseed prices kept shooting higher, dairy producers were pulling the ingredient out of their rations or reducing their inclusion rates. However, prices have since come back down to the same price as seen last spring in 2022.

One feed ingredient that's easy to spot is cottonseed. From a visual perspective, whole cottonseed is an intriguing ingredient. The nutritional attributes are similarly interesting.

As the winter is winding down, many producers are getting ready to turn out bulls. Often, the supplement used for the cow herd contains whole cottonseed, and this prompts questions such as, “Can I feed whole cottonseed to my bulls?” and, “Will it make them infertile?” Our answer to this question is always, “Absolutely not, if you stay within the recommended feeding levels."