Holstein cattle have been selectively bred for their high milk production. The seed of the cotton plant, Gossypium spp. is a good source of fibre, protein and carbohydrate. To improve milk production, whole cottonseed or cottonseed meal can be added to livestock feed. Cottonseed meal is cottonseed that has been processed by grinding. [Figure 2.1A] shows whole cotton seed and [Figure 2.1B] shows cottonseed meal. Free gossypol is a toxin found in cotton seeds. Some of this free gossypol binds to protein to form bound gossypol. This occurs during cottonseed meal production and in the rumen (forestomach) of the cow during microorganism fermentation. Free gossypol is easily absorbed. Bound gossypol is absorbed less easily and is not toxic.