What is the typical moisture content of cottonseed and why does it matter?

Cottonseed normally contains 10‑12 % moisture. Moisture above 12 % accelerates deterioration and may require drying or cooling to preserve quality.

How should cottonseed be stored to avoid spoilage?

Store the seed in bulk at temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C) with moisture under 10 %, using aeration in humid areas to remove heat and excess moisture.

What products are obtained from cottonseed after crushing?

Crushing yields approximately 16‑20 % oil, 8‑10 % linters, 25‑26 % hulls, and 45‑46 % meal, each serving different markets such as edible oil, animal feed, and fiber applications.

What food‑safety risks are associated with cottonseed?

If stored with moisture above 10 %, cottonseed can develop aflatoxin‑producing moulds, which pose a high food‑safety risk. Maintaining low moisture and proper cooling mitigates this risk.

Cottonseed

Cottonseed is the seed of the cotton plant, obtained as a by‑product of lint ginning and traded as a raw oilseed commodity.

Prices, specifications and international trade for cottonseed under HS 120729, 120721.

Cottonseed Price

$368USD/t

Published reference · Jun 1, 2026

Cottonseed Historical Unit Values

Cottonseed is quoted in USD/t at AUS. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Cottonseed Exports and Imports

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Australia led reported cottonseed exports in 2025, at $162M.

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Cottonseed Specifications and Quality

Cottonseed grading factors include Moisture, Foreign Matter, and Free Fatty Acids.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for cottonseed considers Moisture, Foreign Matter, and Free Fatty Acids.

Moisture
Measures seed moisture; excess moisture accelerates deterioration and requires drying or cooling.
Foreign Matter
Measures non‑seed material; higher foreign matter increases handling costs and storage loss.
Free Fatty Acids
Indicates oil quality; elevated levels reduce suitability for premium oil extraction.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for cottonseed include Foreign Matter, Mould, and Heat Damage.

Foreign Matter
Inclusion of non‑seed material that can promote deterioration and increase cleaning costs.
Mould
Fungal growth caused by high moisture, leading to mycotoxin risk.
Heat Damage
Seed exposed to elevated temperatures during storage, reducing quality.
Broken or Split Seed
Physical breakage that can affect uniformity and processing efficiency.

Cottonseed Facts and HS Code

Cottonseed belongs to oilseeds within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 120729, 120721.

Cottonseed HS Code

Also known as	cotton seed, fuzzy cottonseed, delinted cottonseed
Scientific name	Gossypium spp.
Product type	Raw
Form	Dried
Position in the chain	By product
Category	Oilseeds — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed
HS codes	120729, 120721
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	AUS

Production & Handling

Cottonseed storage guidance: Stored in bulk (≈80 ft³ per ton) with moisture below 10 % and temperature below 60 °F (16 °C), using aeration in humid regions to prevent spoilage.

Production and Storage

Perishability	Medium
Temperature regime	Ambient
Storage conditions	Stored in bulk (≈80 ft³ per ton) with moisture below 10 % and temperature below 60 °F (16 °C), using aeration in humid regions to prevent spoilage.
Production methods	Farmed
Processing steps	Ginning (lint separation) Delinting (optional) Aeration and storage Crushing / oil extraction Separation of oil, linters, hulls, and meal

Uses & Risks

Cottonseed is used in Cottonseed Oil, Cottonseed Meal, and Linters.

End Uses

Cottonseed Oil
Extracted oil used for cooking, industrial applications, and biodiesel.
Cottonseed Meal
High‑protein feed for ruminants and other livestock.
Linters
Fiber used in paper, cellulose acetate, viscose, and other textile products.
Hulls
Low‑value feed component and source of dietary fiber.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Oilseed crushing, Animal feed manufacturing, Textile and paper production

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Aflatoxin contamination Food safetyHigh Fungal growth can produce aflatoxins that exceed safety limits if seed is stored wet.	Food safety	High	Maintain moisture below 10 % and use air‑cooling to keep seed temperature low.
Spontaneous combustion LogisticsHigh Wet, stacked cottonseed can generate heat and ignite if not properly ventilated.	Logistics	High	Limit moisture to ≤14 % and ensure adequate airflow in bulk piles.
High humidity ClimateMedium Elevated ambient humidity raises seed moisture, accelerating spoilage and mycotoxin risk.	Climate	Medium	Employ aeration systems and monitor relative humidity during storage.
Gossypol toxicity PestMedium Free gossypol in the seed is toxic to non‑ruminant animals and limits feed use.	Pest	Medium	Use ruminant diets or apply iron salts to bind gossypol; avoid feeding to monogastrics.

Cottonseed Questions

What is the typical moisture content of cottonseed and why does it matter?: Cottonseed normally contains 10‑12 % moisture. Moisture above 12 % accelerates deterioration and may require drying or cooling to preserve quality.
How should cottonseed be stored to avoid spoilage?: Store the seed in bulk at temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C) with moisture under 10 %, using aeration in humid areas to remove heat and excess moisture.
What products are obtained from cottonseed after crushing?: Crushing yields approximately 16‑20 % oil, 8‑10 % linters, 25‑26 % hulls, and 45‑46 % meal, each serving different markets such as edible oil, animal feed, and fiber applications.
What food‑safety risks are associated with cottonseed?: If stored with moisture above 10 %, cottonseed can develop aflatoxin‑producing moulds, which pose a high food‑safety risk. Maintaining low moisture and proper cooling mitigates this risk.