In today’s dairy environment, every input decision plays a role in maintaining resiliency. Feed remains one of the largest expenses for dairy producers, making it critical that each component of the ration contributes to overall cow performance. As a result, many dairy operations are focusing on feeding strategies that support efficiency and consistent production.
For Brian Riegel, a third-generation dairy producer and owner of Riegel Dairy Farm near Washington, Missouri, these considerations are at the heart of daily decisions. Riegel’s feeding strategies are developed around increasing production levels and using resources as efficiently as possible.
“We’re always profit-driven, and we believe we get the most profit through milk production,” Riegel said.
Rather than following the latest trend in feeding dairy cattle, Riegel takes a long-term view. Riegel considerswhether ration components provide the nutrients needed for cow performance over time. His goal is to develop a consistent feeding program that supports his herd performance and his operation’s profitability.
One feedstuff he uses to help achieve this goal is whole cottonseed for its versatility and ease of incorporation into his existing feeding program.
“Cottonseed gives me another reliable tool in the toolbox when building a ration. It is a foundational ingredient in our TMR, especially in our high-producing cows.”
Riegel finds it especially helpful in improving herd performance because moderate amounts of whole cottonseed are an effective way to support strong milk production in high-producing cows.1
“When we remove whole cottonseed from our ration, we’ve seen butterfat percentages as low as 3.1. When we include whole cottonseed in the ration, we’ve seen as high as 4.2. Right now, with whole cottonseed, we are at a 4.0.”
Whole cottonseed offers a well-rounded nutritional profile that includes fat, fiber and protein, meeting the needs of lactating dairy cows in one ingredient.2
Even with a well-balanced ration, consistency in intake plays a key role in maintaining steady milk production. Consistency is therefore a key driver of overall performance in dairy herds, especially during times of fluctuating feed and commodity prices, when producers are focused on maximizing every feed ingredient.
According to Katherine Swift, DVM, who has worked with dairy operations of all sizes, whole cottonseed offers an advantage in intake consistency.
Because cows are less able to sort out whole cottonseed, they are more likely to consume the nutrients in the ration as intended, Swift noted. Whole cottonseed provides a combination of fat, fiber and protein, helping ensure those nutrients are delivered more consistently across the herd.
“Cows cannot separate out the nutrients provided in whole cottonseed in the same manner as they would with some other feedstuffs, so they get the full benefit of the nutrients provided in the ration.”
Dr. Swift also emphasized the value of incorporating ingredients that support both nutritional balance and consistency.
“You cannot look solely at the individual ingredients,” she said. “You need to consider how the ration was created and how cows eat that ration.”
On the farm, the connection between nutrition and performance is exactly what matters most to Riegel.
“You want to select an ingredient that will work with your existing feeding program and allow you to maintain consistent feeding practices,” Riegel said. “Ultimately, it comes down to creating a cohesive unit that supports both nutrition and production.”
To learn how whole cottonseed can be integrated into your feeding program, visit www.wholecottonseed.com/dear-nutritionist.
1Bales, A.M., dos Santos Neto, J.M., Lock, A.L. (2024). “Effect of increasing dietary inclusion of whole cottonseed on nutrient digestibility and milk production of high-producing dairy cows.” Journal of Dairy Science. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-24787
2Lane O. Ely and Larry D. Guthrie. (2012). Feeding Whole Cottonseed to Dairy Cows and Replacements. Bulletin 59. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SB-59_2.pdf
