Elimination of Free Gossypol in Cotton Seed Meal (Gossypium herbaceum) - A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Analysis of mechanically extracted cotton seed meal (Gossypium herbaceum) showed that it was good source of crude protein (23.9%). It contains 0.5% crude fat, 21.76% crude fiber, 9.28% moisture and 4.64% ash. Gossypol content in the meal was found to be 0.54%. Among the various methods tested for the elimination of gossypol, water treatment following solvent extraction was found to eliminate 98-99% of this anti-nutritional substance. Autoclaving at 10 and 15 lb. for 15 min removed 20-25% of gossypol, whereas autoclaving at the same pressure for 10 min removed 10-12% of gossypol. Heating the meal in hot air oven at 60, 80, 100oC removed 9, 10 and 12% of gossypol, respectively while microwave roasting at full and high power for 2 min removed only 5-8% of gossypol.