Observations on Two Components of Cottonseed that Cause Discolorations in Eggs

Abstract

THERE is experimental evidence that two components of cottonseed cause egg yolk discolorations. One of these components is gossypol. The identity of the other is unknown, but it causes “pink” albumen and yolk discolorations different from those caused by gossypol. The report of Schaible, Moore and Moore (1934) is apparently the first showing conclusively that gossypol is the component of cottonseed pigment glands responsible for “olive-green” discolorations. That the yolk discolorations attributable to gossypol may range from olive-green or light chocolate brown to nearly black is indicated by the observations of Swenson, Fieger and Upp (1942), and of Heywang, Denton and Bird (1949). In his experiments, Lorenz (1939) found that gossypol gives the yolk an olive-green color, while another component of cottonseed, either responsible for or closely associated with the Halphen reaction, causes an abnormal enlargement of the yolk and a reddish brown color of yolk and albumen when eggs …