China is rich in cottonseed meal resources, which contains high-quality protein with more than 40% of crude protein content and high amount of amino acid. However, it contains free gossypol (FG), a antinutrient, which seriously limits its utilization in feed industry. Laying hens can catch a series of untoward effect if being fed cottonseed meal for a long time. The toxicity mechanism of FG and the detoxification methods were summarized, as well as the effects of FG on production performance, egg quality and residual. It provides reference for application of cottonseed meal, and further points out the problems to be solved in the application of cotton meal in livestock and poultry production.