Cotton seed is the small, oval-shaped seed of the cotton plant (Gossypium spp.), a member of the Malvaceae family. It is primarily cultivated for its fiber, but the seed itself holds significant value due to its various applications.
Cotton seed contains a range of nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin E and B-complex vitamins), and minerals (such as iron and phosphorus).
Uses and Applications
- Oil Extraction: Cotton seed is a rich source of oil, which is extracted through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction methods. Cottonseed oil is used in various culinary applications, as a cooking oil, in salad dressings, and for frying due to its high smoke point.
- Animal Feed: Cotton seed meal, a byproduct of cotton, it is used as a protein-rich ingredient in animal feed formulations, particularly for livestock such as cattle, poultry, and swine.
- Fertilizer: Cotton seed can be used as an organic fertilizer due to its nutrient content. It is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
