This experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that Cottonseed Meal (CSM) with supplemental lysine and ferro sulfate improves its feeding value by detoxifying gossypol. The performance of 42-days-old straight Cobb*Cobb broiler chicks fed diets containing 5, 10, 15, 20% CSM (with and without lysine and Ferro sulfate) was compared with that of control chicks fed corn and soybean meal-based broiler rations. Four dietary treatments with Ferro sulfate and lysine, 4 dietary treatments without Ferro sulfate and Lysine. One (control), 2-5 (without Ferro sulfate and lysine) and 6-9 (with Ferro sulfate and lysine). All diets were formulated to meet minimum NRC requirements. Lysine levels were adjusted by addition of synthetic lysine at rates of 0.5% of the protein in CSM and by addition of synthetic Ferro sulfate at rates of 0.04% of the protein inCSM. In all experiments, weight gain, feed intake and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of broilers at 21-42 days were significantly affected by the diets. Feeding CSM resulted in decreased body weight gain, increased feed intake and inefficient feed utilization. When, 0.5% lysine and 0.04% Ferro sulfate were added to feed, the body weight gains and feed conversion ratio of chicks were not significantly different from those fed the control diet. The FCR of chicks fed CSM plus 0.5% lysine and 0.04% Ferro sulfate at 21-42 days were significantly better than that of chicks fed CSM without lysine and Ferro sulfate. Abdominal fat pads (as a percentage of body weight) were significantly increased by the inclusion of CSM with or without the addition of lysine and Ferro sulfate (p<0.05). Liver and heart weights were not affected by the presence of CSM in the diet. However, this study shows that with adequate supplemental lysine and Ferro sulfate, CSM can be used in broiler diets without a reduction in performance.

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