Effects of Levels of Protein and Gossypol, and Length of Feeding Period on the Accumulation of Gossypol in Tissues of Swine

A study was made using swine to determine the effect of protein level, gossypol level, and the length of the feeding period on the accumulation of gossypol in the organs. The dietary levels were: protein, 14 and 28%; and gossypol, 0.03 and 0.06%. The periods of feeding were 14 and 28 days. The results showed that the levels of gossypol in the organs were inversely related to the dietary level of protein, and directly related to the level of gossypol in the diet and to the length of time the diets were fed.