Hemp Biomass Proven Safe and Potentially Beneficial for Dairy Cows
Source: vetandlife.ru
A group of American scientists conducted a study on the impact of hemp on dairy cows, specifically focusing on the biomass extracted after cannabidiol (CBD) extraction.
The findings suggest that this biomass poses no threat to the health of ruminant animals and could be incorporated into the diets of dairy cows, despite its "somewhat unpleasant taste," according to the scientific portal phys.org.
During the hemp processing, a significant amount of residual biomass is generated, comprising finely chopped leaves and stems of the plant. Scientists believe this biomass possesses several beneficial properties that can be utilized in animal husbandry. Dr. Massimo Bionaz, the lead researcher from Oregon State University in Corvallis, emphasized, "Hemp residual biomass has significant potential in terms of nutritional value." He noted its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could positively impact the animal's overall health and productivity.
To assess the safety of this ingredient, scientists selected 18 Jersey cows in the final lactation period. Initially, their diets were identical for the first 4 days, after which the animals were divided into two groups. The first group received an increased amount of feed with added hemp residual biomass, while the second group received lucerne meal. In both cases, the additive content did not exceed 13% of the total dry matter consumed.
Subsequently, the amount of hemp biomass in the first group's diet was gradually reduced, completely removing it after 4 weeks. Throughout this period, scientists measured the cows' dry matter intake, body weight, and indicators of condition, milk yield, and activity. Additionally, they conducted analyses of the chemical composition and fat content of the milk, monitored the animals' blood composition, nitrogen metabolism, and methane emissions.
The results confirmed that using hemp residual biomass as a potential feed ingredient does not harm the health of lactating dairy cows. However, the experimental group exhibited a decrease in overall feed consumption, attributed to the low palatability of the new ingredient for the cows. Dr. Massimo Bionaz explained, "Milking cows don't like changes and probably cannot adapt to the distinctive smell of hemp residual biomass, especially when presented in concentrated granulated form."
He also noted that this trend did not negatively affect the productivity of the animals. Moreover, scientists observed a slight increase in milk yield compared to the control group. Consequently, their next objective is to investigate whether incorporating hemp residual biomass supplements into the cows' diet can enhance their productivity.
During the hemp processing, a significant amount of residual biomass is generated, comprising finely chopped leaves and stems of the plant. Scientists believe this biomass possesses several beneficial properties that can be utilized in animal husbandry. Dr. Massimo Bionaz, the lead researcher from Oregon State University in Corvallis, emphasized, "Hemp residual biomass has significant potential in terms of nutritional value." He noted its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could positively impact the animal's overall health and productivity.
To assess the safety of this ingredient, scientists selected 18 Jersey cows in the final lactation period. Initially, their diets were identical for the first 4 days, after which the animals were divided into two groups. The first group received an increased amount of feed with added hemp residual biomass, while the second group received lucerne meal. In both cases, the additive content did not exceed 13% of the total dry matter consumed.
Subsequently, the amount of hemp biomass in the first group's diet was gradually reduced, completely removing it after 4 weeks. Throughout this period, scientists measured the cows' dry matter intake, body weight, and indicators of condition, milk yield, and activity. Additionally, they conducted analyses of the chemical composition and fat content of the milk, monitored the animals' blood composition, nitrogen metabolism, and methane emissions.
The results confirmed that using hemp residual biomass as a potential feed ingredient does not harm the health of lactating dairy cows. However, the experimental group exhibited a decrease in overall feed consumption, attributed to the low palatability of the new ingredient for the cows. Dr. Massimo Bionaz explained, "Milking cows don't like changes and probably cannot adapt to the distinctive smell of hemp residual biomass, especially when presented in concentrated granulated form."
He also noted that this trend did not negatively affect the productivity of the animals. Moreover, scientists observed a slight increase in milk yield compared to the control group. Consequently, their next objective is to investigate whether incorporating hemp residual biomass supplements into the cows' diet can enhance their productivity.
