Cotton seed

Cotton seed

Cotton seed
Category:

Description

Cotton Seed Specifications:

  1. Variety:
    • Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): Most widely cultivated and used for both fiber and oil production.
    • Pima Cotton (Gossypium barbadense): Extra-long staple variety with high-quality seeds, often used for premium oil.
    • Other Varieties: Includes Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium herbaceum, commonly used in specific regions like India and Africa.
  2. Size:
    • Length: 8 mm to 10 mm (0.3 to 0.4 inches).
    • Width: 4 mm to 5 mm (0.15 to 0.2 inches).
    • Weight: Varies by variety, but typically ranges from 100 to 140 grams per 100 seeds.
  3. Moisture Content:
    • Ideal Range: 8% to 12%.
    • Cotton seeds with excessive moisture are prone to spoilage, while low moisture content may affect oil extraction efficiency.
  4. Oil Content:
    • Typical Range: 15% to 22% oil content.
    • Higher oil content is preferred for cottonseed oil production. Premium varieties can have oil content up to 24%.
  5. Protein Content:
    • Meal Protein Content: 35% to 45% (after oil extraction).
    • Cottonseed meal is a valuable byproduct used in animal feed due to its high protein content.
  6. Lint Coverage:
    • Fuzzy Cotton Seeds: Covered in a short layer of fiber known as “lint” or “fuzz.” These seeds can be de-linted mechanically for specific uses.
    • Delinted Seeds: Cotton seeds that have undergone mechanical or acid delinting to remove the fiber layer, used for planting and oil extraction.
  7. Free Fatty Acid (FFA):
    • Range: 1.0% to 3.0% (at the time of pressing).
    • Lower FFA content is better for oil quality and longer shelf life.
  8. Gossypol Content:
    • Typical Range: 0.6% to 1.2%.
    • Gossypol is a naturally occurring toxin in cotton seeds that can be harmful to non-ruminant animals (like pigs and poultry), but it is less of an issue for ruminants (like cattle). Cottonseed meal for feed may undergo processing to reduce gossypol levels.
  9. Fiber Content:
    • Whole Seed: Contains about 8% to 15% fiber (including hull and fuzz).
    • Cottonseed hulls are often used as roughage in animal feed.
  10. Seed Germination Rate:
    • For Planting: Germination rates should be above 85%, depending on the quality of the seed and storage conditions.
    • Seeds for planting should be disease-free and not damaged during processing.
  11. Foreign Matter:
    • Acceptable Range: Less than 2% (includes dirt, stones, and other impurities).
    • High-quality seeds are free from debris, soil, or other contaminants.
  12. Uses:
    • Cottonseed Oil Production: Cotton seeds are crushed to extract oil, which is used for cooking, as an ingredient in processed foods, or in industrial applications.
    • Cottonseed Meal: The meal is a byproduct of oil extraction, rich in protein, and commonly used in animal feeds.
    • Cottonseed Hulls: Used as roughage in livestock feed or as a source of cellulose for industrial applications.
    • Planting: De-linted seeds are used as planting seeds in cotton farms for fiber production.
  13. Packaging:
    • Bulk: Cotton seeds are typically packed in jute or polypropylene bags.
    • Size: Common bag sizes include 25 kg, 50 kg, or 1-ton bags for bulk shipments.
    • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place to maintain seed quality, especially for planting seeds.
  14. Processing:
    • Ginning: Seeds are separated from the cotton fiber during the ginning process.
    • Delinting: The removal of lint (fibers) from the seed, typically done with chemicals or mechanical methods to prepare seeds for oil extraction or planting.
  15. Purity:
    • Cotton seeds should have a purity level of 98% to 99%, free from other seeds, weeds, or contaminants.
    • Seed certification standards may apply depending on the country of origin.
  16. Ginning Efficiency:
    • Cotton seed should retain a clean cut during the ginning process to ensure maximum usability and quality for oil production and planting.

Export Information:

  • Country of Origin: Major producers include the USA, India, China, Brazil, and Pakistan.
  • Export Standards: Must comply with international seed quality standards and phytosanitary requirements.

Common Grades:

  • Grade A: Premium quality seeds with high oil content, low moisture, and minimal contamination.
  • Grade B: Medium quality, suitable for oil production and animal feed but may have higher moisture or contamination levels.
  • Grade C: Lower quality seeds, typically used for non-food applications or low-grade animal feed.

This specification provides a comprehensive overview of cotton seeds used for oil extraction, planting, and animal feed, ensuring quality control throughout the supply chain.

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