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† Corresponding author 
© 2014 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 

EFFECTS OF COTTON GIN TRASH LEVEL ON THE PERFORMANCE OF 

DESERT LAMBS IN NEW HALFA AREA, KASSALA STATE, SUDAN 

 

Asma H.M.Hamed1† --- Amani A. B. Osman2 --- Mohmed E. Elimam3 
1Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Gadarif, 

Gadarif, Sudan 

2Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kassala University, 

HalfaElgadida, Sudan 

3Goat Research Centre, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan 

 

ABSTRACT 

An experiment was conducted to evaluate cotton gin trash(CGT) as a feed for Shugor Desert lambs in New 

Halfa area in the Butana plain, Kassala State, Sudan. Cotton gin trash has high EE and CP and the 

proximate analysis (%) is 98.67, 18.25, 22.70, 38.35, 8.20 and 12.50 for DM, EE, CF, CP, ash and 

NFE, respectively. These residues cause environmental problem when it is not well exploited. Fifteen 

Shugor Desert lambs about 8-10 month old weighing 26.5 kg in average were divided to three groups and 

fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous rations with 0, 10% and 20% CGT for 6 weeks. Daily feed intake 

increased significantly (P≤0.05) with increasing CGT in rations (1.12, 1.30 and 1.37 kg at 0, 10 and 

20% CGT, respectively).Final body weight increased with CGT in rations, but not significantly (P≥ 0.05) 

and were 34.66,34.76 and 36.90 kg , respectively. Weight gain increased with increasing CGT in rations, 

but not significantly(P≥ 0.05).They were 7.72, 7.78 and 9.98 kg at 0,10 and 20%CGT, respectively. Feed 

conversion ratio improved with increasing CGT in rations and were 7.80, 6.54 and 6.03 at 0,10 and 

20%CGT, respectively. The results showed that CGT had good nutritive value and improved sheep feed 

intake, performance and feed conversion ratio and should be promoted. 

Keywords: Cotton gin trash, Residues, Desert lambs, Performance, Nutritive value, Sudan. 

 

Contribution/ Originality 

This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the effect of different levels of 

cotton gin trash on the performance of Sudanese desert lambs.The papers primary contribution is 

finding that cotton cotton gin trash had good nutritive value and improved sheep feed intake, 

performance and feed conversion ratio. 

 

 

Animal Review 
2014 Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 11-16 
ISSN(e): 2409-6490 
ISSN(p): 2412-3382 
© 2014 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 

 
 



Animal Review, 2014, 1(1): 11-16 

 

 
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© 2014 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

1. INTRODUCTION 

The demand for sheep meat increases substantially in the Sudan due to increased local 

consumption because of urbanization and improved living standards. In addition it was increased 

due to increased exports due to superior meat quality, reputed breeds and animals rely mainly on 

rangelands. Furthermore, no growth promoters or feed additives, especially of animal origin, are 

used as they affect human and animal health. Sheep production is very important in New Halfa 

area in the Butana plain in Kassala State, Sudan due to high population, reputed breeds and socio-

economic contribution [1]. New Halfa Scheme is 68880 ha in area where cotton, wheat, sorghum 

and sugar cane are grown with abundant crop residues for animal feedings. 

 Nutrition is among the main constraints for sheep production in New Halfa area which is 

located in the poor Savanna because of rangeland deterioration for many reasons [1, 2]. 

Furthermore, seasonal rainfall led to seasonal variations in feeds quantity and quality with serious 

shortages in the dry season and serious effects on animals health and performance [3]. Agro-

industrial by products, especially crop residues, are used to fill the nutritional gap, but generally 

have low nutritive value due to low CP and high CF limiting animals intake and performance. 

Furthermore, concentrates are not generally fed to improve sheep performance [3]. High costs of 

high quality conventional feeds are limiting factors to  improve sheep production in New Halfa 

area and it is vital to exploit low cost unconventional feeds to reduce costs and enhance profits 

and market competition. Recently Mesquite(Prosopis juliflora) pods were fed to Desert sheep in 

New Halfa area [1].Cotton is an important crop in New Halfa area, and cotton gin trash (CGT) is 

a byproduct of cotton ginning. Cotton gin trashes composed of fragments of burs and stems, 

immature cotton seed, lint, leaf fragments and dirt [4]. It has serious environmental impacts such 

as setting fires [5] and is used for energy, soap, plastics and pesticides [6] and as animal feed 

[4]. It is palatable as sorghum silage for feedlot cattle [7].  

Cotton gin trash composition varies greatly [4] and the nutritive value is affected with many 

factors including variety, region and harvest methods Bader, et al. [8]. Whole cotton seed is a 

good source for  protein and energy  and may reach 25.4%  CP and 90% TDN [9]. The 

proximate analysis in the Sudan was 29.9% CP, 15.6% EE, 24.9% CF, 22.7% ash and 21.8% lignin 

[5]. It had 12.4 CP, 60.8 ADF and 69.2 % NDF  in USA [10].  Myer [4] stated that CGT low 

feed value was due to  high lignin and ash and low CP and energy (TDN) and the feeding value 

was similar relative to low quality Bahia grass or Bermuda grass hay. Some trials showed that 

rations with 70% CGT had accepted gains in lambs and steers [11]. It improved weight gain in 

grazing steers, but the performance was lower than a commercial supplement [12]. In steers, 

DMI and weight gain were significantly higher when fed CGT compared to groundnut hulls 

[10]. It was considered best for mature and pregnant beef cows [4]. Residues in CGT are not 

likely to affect animals health or products [13]. 

Cotton gin trash is used traditionally in feeding ruminants in the Sudan with limited 

available information [5]. This worker used different levels of CGT in fattening Desert lambs (0, 

25, 40 and 55%) for 10 weeks and found that feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio 

were improved up to feeding 40% CGT with no negative effects. It is important to exploit the 



Animal Review, 2014, 1(1): 11-16 

 

 
13 

© 2014 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

huge amounts of CGT in New Halfa area in sheep feeding to avoid environmental hazards and 

improve animals nutrition and performance. However, there is no available information on using 

CGT in fattening Shugor Desert lambs in New Halfa area, and consequently this experiment was 

launched to furnish this vital information. 

 

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 

The experiment described below was conducted in the Animal Production Farm, Faculty of 

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kassala University in New Halfa, Kassala State, Sudan from 

May to July2011. It is located at latitude 15° 19'N and longitude 35°36'E  and is about 560km 

from Khartoum. The mean temperature and annual rainfall was  30◦ and 250-300mm, 

respectively. 

 

2.1. Animals 

Fifteen Shugor Desert lambs of about 8-10 month old and weighing 26.5 kg in average were 

bought from New Halfa livestock market and used to study the effects of different levels of CGT 

in rations on their performance. They were transported by car to the farm in New Halfa. The 

animals were rested, watered, ear tagged and housed in individual pens with water and feed 

troughs. They were vaccinated against prevalent diseases and treated with Bendazol against 

internal parasites and Gamatox against external parasites. They were injected with 

Oxyteracyline20%. The animals were weighed using a 100kg weighing machine and divided 

according to body weight into three groups. The range of body weights was 24.6-28.4kg and its 

average was 26.5kg.The animals groups were allocated at random to the three experimental 

rations. 

 

2.2. Feeds and Feeding 

The animals were fed dried Abu Sabeen (Sorghum bicolor) ad libitum and changed gradually 

to the experimental rations in 15 days. They were then fed rations A, B and C with different 

levels of CGT (0, 10 and 20%, respectively). Table1 shows the ingredients of the isocaloric and 

isonitrogenous rations fed to lambs with different levels of CGT. Preweighed amounts of the 

rations (2kg/animal/day) were offered in one meal at 8.00am for 6 weeks.  In addition they were 

offered fresh green Barseem once weekly as a source of vitamin A. The refusals were collected for 

each animal before the morning meal and weighed. Samples of CGT were collected, stored in 

polyethylene bags and used for proximate analysis. 

The animals were weighed weekly early in the morning after 12 hrs fasting to reduce the 

variations in gutfill. Daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were calculated. 

 

2.3. Laboratory Analysis 

Samples of CGT were grinded and  analyzed in triplicates for dry matter (DM), ether extract 

(EE), crude fibres (CF), crude protein (CP) and ash as described by AOAC [14]. 

 



Animal Review, 2014, 1(1): 11-16 

 

 
14 

© 2014 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

2.4. Statistical Analysis 

The data was statistically analyzed using completely randomized design and Duncan’s 

multiple range test was used to test differences among means  as described by Snedecor and 

Cochran [15]. 

 

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

Table 2 shows the proximate analysis of CGT in New Halfa area. It had high EE and CP and 

moderate CF and was similarly a good source for protein and energy [9]. Ether extract, CP and 

ash were higher and CF was lower than that reported in the Sudan by Khalafalla [5]. It had 

higher CP, EE and ash and lower CF than that in USA [4]. Crude protein was higher than that  

in USA [9, 10]. The high variations in CGT proximate analysis among workers were also 

reported by Myer [4] and could be due to variations in cotton varieties, soils and soil and leaves 

contamination. In addition Bader, et al. [8] stated variety, region and harvest methods as reasons 

for the variations in CGT composition. 

Feed intake varied significantly (P≤0.05) among rations and was highest in diet C (Table 3). 

The increased feed intake with increasing CGT level in feeds was also found up to 40% CGT in 

Desert sheep in the Sudan [5] and may be due to CGT palatability. 

Weight gain tended to increase with increasing CGT in rations, but not significantly 

(P≥0.05). This may be attributed to increased feed intake with increasing CGT level. Similar 

results were found by Khalafalla [5]. Feed conversion ratio was improved with increasing CGT 

in rations, but not significantly (P≥0.05). This could be attributed to increased feed intake and 

weight gain with increasing CGT level. Similar results were reported in Desert sheep [5]. 

The results showed that CGT up to 20% in rations had good nutritive value and improved 

lambs performance and should be promoted in New Halfa area. 

 

REFERENCES 

[1] A. A. B. Osman and M. E. Elimam, "The effects of different levels of mesquite (Prosopischilensis) 

pods on the performance of shugor lambs in Halfa Elgadeda, Kassala State, Sudan," Gezira Journal 

of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 10, pp. 95-101, 2012. 

[2] A. H. Mohamed, "Evaluation of some range plants for goats in the rahad area, butana plain, 

Sudan," M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University 

of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan, 2001. 

[3] H. M. H. Asma, "Upgrading and the utilization by Nubian goats of some crop residues in the 

Sudan," Ph. D Thesis, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan, 

2007. 

[4] R. O. Myer, Cotton gin trash: Alternative roughage feed for beef cattle. Document AN177, Animal sciences 

department, Florida cooperative extension service: Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 

University of Florida. Avialable: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu, 2007. 

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/


Animal Review, 2014, 1(1): 11-16 

 

 
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© 2014 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

[5] M. K. Khalafalla, "Effect of dietary level of cotton gin trash on nutrients utilization and 

performance of Sudan desert lambs," M.Sc. Thesis. (Anim. Prod.), University of Khartoum, 

Khartoum North, Sudan, 1988. 

[6] H. A. Tayfour and Z. H. Rashid, Oilseed crops, 1st ed. Iraq: Maousil, 1990. 

[7] E. S. Erwin and C. B. Roubicek, "Utilization of cotton gin trash by growing and fattening steers," 

J. Anim. Sci., vol. 17, pp. 133-139, 1958. 

[8] M. J. Bader, R. K. Bramwell, R. L. Stewart, and G. M. Hill, "Gin trash studies conducted in 

Georgia," Beltwide Cotton Production Research Proceedings, vol. 2, pp. 1698-1699, 1998. 

[9] NRC, Nutrient requirements of beef cattle. Washington, DC, USA: National Academy of Science, 

National Research Council, 2000. 

[10] J. B. Kennedy, "Evaluation of cotton gin trash as a roughage source for stocker cattle," M. Sc 

Thesis, Auburn University, Alabama, USA, 2006. 

[11] D. L. Arndt, C. R. Richardson, R. C. Albin, and L. B. Sherrod, "Digestibility of chemically treated 

cotton plant by-product and effect on mineral balance, urine volume and pH," J. Anim. Sci., vol. 51, 

pp. 215-223, 1980. 

[12] C. Villalobos, C. M. Britton, M. Avila, R. Richardson, G. Holt, and G. Bezanilla, "Cotton by-

products supplementation for steers grazing tobosa grass (Hilariamutica[Buckl.] Benth.) 

rangeland," The Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resource, vol. 22, pp. 7-16, 2009. 

[13] R. L. Stewart, M. J. Bader, and G. H. Harris, "The evaluation of cotton gin trash as a cattle feed," 

University of Georgia, Animal & Dairy Science Annual Report, 1998. 

[14] AOAC, Official methods of analysis, 15th ed. Arlington, Virginia,USA: Association of Official 

Analytical Chemist, Inc, 1990. 

[15] G. Snedecor and W. G. Cochran, Statistical methods. Ames, Iowa, U.S.A.: Iowa State University 

Press, 1980. 

 

Table-1. The ingredients and calculated energy and crude protein of rations with different levels 

of cotton gin trash (CGT)fed to Shugor Desert lambs in New Halfa, Kassala State, Sudan. 

Rations Ingredients 
C 
20 

B 
10 

A 
0 

 
CGT (%) 

20.5 24 25 Sorghum grains 

03.5 11 18 Groundnut cakes 

25 25 25 Molasses 

13 13 16 Wheat bran 

16 15 14 Groundnut shells 

10 01 01 Salt 
01 01 01 Lime stone 

11.40 11.43 11.34 Metabolizable energy 
(MJ\ kg DM) 

16.50 16.50 16.48 CP (%) 

 

 

 



Animal Review, 2014, 1(1): 11-16 

 

 
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© 2014 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Table-2.The proximate analysis (%) of cotton gin trash in New Halfa area, Kassala State, Sudan. 

 98.67  Dry matter 
18.25 Ether extract 
22.70 Crude fibres 
38.35 Crude protein 
08.20 Ash 

12.50 Nitrogen free extract 

 

Table-3. The performance of Shugor Desert sheep fed ratios with different levels of Cotton Gin 

Trash in New Halfa, Kassala State, Sudan 

    Rations  Parameters 

 Significance SE C B A  

  20 10 0 CGT (%) 

NS 1.20 26.92 26.98 4926. Initial BW 
(kg) 

NS 1.73 36.90 34.76 34.66 Final BW (kg) 
* 0.06 1.37c 1.30b 1.12a Feed intake 

(kg|day) 
NS 0.94 9.98 7.78 7.72 

 

Weight gain 
(kg\head) 

NS 1.12 6.03 6.54 7.80 FCR 

CGT= Cotton Gin Trash; BW= Body weight;FCR= Feed conversion ratio (kg feed|kg weight gain);NS= Non significant differences at 

P>0.5; *= Significant differences at P<0.05; different letters denote significant differences among means at P<0.05. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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