Castor Meal in Dairy Rations

Abstract

This experiment was to investigate commercial ricin detoxified castor meal for lactating dairy cattle and to evaluate the possible transfer of castor toxins and hydroxy fatty acids to milk. Percents of 10 and 20 castor meal and .5% added castor oil were fed with 10% cottonseed meal and .5% cottonseed oil controls. Transfers of ricinine, ricin, hydroxy fatty acids, and antigens were at or below detection limits. Milk from cows on long-term castor meal and castor oil intake was apparently not injurious when fed to calves and rats. No residue accumulation in muscle was observed, and no abnormal conditions were associated with feeding castor meal to the cows during 14 mo. © 1974, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.