By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
Feeding cattle industrial hemp may reduce stress levels, according to a study published this year by Kansas State University.
The study observed the behavior of 16 Holstein steers over a two-week period. Half of the cattle were fed a traditional ration, and the other half were fed a ration that included industrial hemp.
Feeding industrial hemp to cattle could prove beneficial during high-stress activities, such as transporting and weaning.
During the study, researchers noted hemp was absorbed through the rumen and did not accumulate in the animal’s system.
“Industrial hemp can be included in cattle rations since it has a favorable crude protein digestibility profile,” Dr. Bob Judd, host of Texas Vet News on the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network, said. “Over the two weeks, the researchers tracked cattle movement and monitored blood levels of biomarkers of stress. The hemp-fed cattle spent more time lying down and had lower levels of inflammation and stress hormones present in the blood.”
Although the study provided a foundation for feeding cattle hemp, more research is necessary.
“Further studies will be required to determine when the animal can last be fed hemp, as far as withdrawal terms and when the cattle can enter the food system and the meat not contain CBD, as well as potential effects of the meat product,” Judd said. “At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved industrial hemp to be fed to livestock or pets.”
Growing industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill.
For more information about the research, visit k-state.edu.