What is cottonseed meal?

Cottonseed meal is the solid by‑product obtained after extracting oil from cotton seeds and is used as a protein source in animal feed.

What are the key quality specifications for cottonseed meal?

Typical specifications include a crude protein content of 36‑41 %, moisture below 12 %, crude fat 1‑4 %, crude fiber up to 12 %, ash up to 6.5 %, calcium 0.15 %, phosphorus 0.9 %, and lysine at least 1.6 %.

How should cottonseed meal be stored to maintain its quality?

It should be kept in a cool, dry environment away from moisture, in sealed PP woven bags or bulk containers, and used within its 6‑month shelf life.

Cottonseed Meal

Cottonseed meal is a dried solid residue obtained after extracting oil from cotton seeds. It is used as a protein‑rich feed ingredient for livestock.

Prices, specifications and international trade for cottonseed meal under HS 230610.

Cottonseed Meal Price

$256USD/t

Published reference · Jun 1, 2026

Cottonseed Meal Historical Unit Values

Cottonseed meal is quoted in USD/t at GRC. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Cottonseed Meal Exports and Imports

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Côte d’Ivoire led reported cottonseed meal exports in 2025, at $14.6M.

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Cottonseed Meal Specifications and Quality

Cottonseed meal grading factors include Moisture Content, Crude Protein, and Free Gossypol Level.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for cottonseed meal considers Moisture Content, Crude Protein, and Free Gossypol Level.

Moisture Content
Buyers verify that moisture is below 12 % to ensure stability and prevent spoilage.
Crude Protein
Minimum protein level of 36 % (typically 36‑41 %) is required for feed value.
Free Gossypol Level
Bound gossypol is acceptable; high free gossypol is a defect that can affect animal health.

Typical Specification Ranges

Cottonseed meal specifications record crude protein, crude fat / ether extract, moisture content. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.

Crude Protein	36–41 %
Crude Fat / Ether Extract	1.00–4.00 %
Moisture Content	up to 12 %

Common Defects

Recorded defects for cottonseed meal include Excess Free Gossypol, Microbial Contamination, and Aflatoxin B1 Exceedance.

Excess Free Gossypol
Levels above regulatory limits can be toxic to livestock.
Microbial Contamination
Elevated total plate count, yeast, mould, E. coli, coliforms, or presence of Salmonella indicates poor hygiene.
Aflatoxin B1 Exceedance
Values above 5 ppb are considered unsafe for feed use.

Certifications

Certifications documented for cottonseed meal include Halal, Kosher, and ISO / HACCP. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.

Halal
Certification available on request for markets requiring halal compliance.
Kosher
Certification available on request for kosher‑certified feed applications.
ISO / HACCP
Quality management systems in place to ensure feed‑grade safety.

Cottonseed Meal Facts and HS Code

Cottonseed meal belongs to meals and feed ingredients within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 230610.

Cottonseed Meal HS Code

Product type	Intermediate
Form	Dried
Position in the chain	By product
Category	Meals and feed ingredients — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed
HS codes	230610
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	GRC

Production & Handling

Processing steps for cottonseed meal include Oil extraction, Residue collection, Grinding or pelleting.

Production and Storage

Perishability	Low
Processing steps	Oil extraction Residue collection Grinding or pelleting

Packaging

Typical cottonseed meal packaging includes PP woven bag.

PP woven bag
Standard bulk packaging of 50 kg per bag, suitable for transport and storage.

Uses & Risks

Cottonseed meal uses, related products and documented risks.

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Aflatoxin B1 presence Food safetyHigh Cottonseed meal can be contaminated with aflatoxin B1, a potent mycotoxin harmful to animal health.	Food safety	High	Source from suppliers with strict aflatoxin monitoring and enforce limits (<5 ppb).
Salmonella contamination Food safetyHigh If Salmonella is present in cottonseed meal, it can cause disease in animals consuming the feed.	Food safety	High	Implement routine Salmonella testing and ensure proper heat treatment during processing.
Free gossypol toxicity Food safetyMedium Insufficient conversion of free gossypol to its bound, non‑toxic form during heat‑press processing can lead to toxicity in livestock.	Food safety	Medium	Use controlled heat‑press extraction to maximize gossypol binding and test final product for free gossypol levels.

Cottonseed Meal Questions

What is cottonseed meal?: Cottonseed meal is the solid by‑product obtained after extracting oil from cotton seeds and is used as a protein source in animal feed.
What are the key quality specifications for cottonseed meal?: Typical specifications include a crude protein content of 36‑41 %, moisture below 12 %, crude fat 1‑4 %, crude fiber up to 12 %, ash up to 6.5 %, calcium 0.15 %, phosphorus 0.9 %, and lysine at least 1.6 %.
How should cottonseed meal be stored to maintain its quality?: It should be kept in a cool, dry environment away from moisture, in sealed PP woven bags or bulk containers, and used within its 6‑month shelf life.