A substance present in cotton seed which is toxic to swine is

The substance present in cotton seed which is toxic to swine is gossypol. Gossypol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in the seeds, leaves, stems, and flowers of cotton plants. While gossypol has some beneficial properties, such as anti-tumor and anti-viral effects, it can also be toxic to certain animals, including swine. When swine consume large amounts of gossypol, it can interfere with their ability to absorb and use nutrients, leading to weight loss, reduced growth rates, and other health problems. Therefore, it is important for farmers and animal feed manufacturers to take measures to limit the amount of gossypol in swine diets, such as using processed cottonseed products or limiting the amount of cottonseed in the feed.