Scientists at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) received a grant to study hemp as a sustainable alternative to grain in animal feed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded Dr. Negusse Kidane, assistant professor and research scientist in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology at PVAMU, nearly $300,000 for his research.

The three-year study will look at the nutritional profile of industrial hemp plant biomass byproducts and their impact on goats to determine if hemp biomass can serve as a viable alternative feed that could reduce the use of grain in animal feed.

“This grant represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. By exploring the potential of hemp as an alternative to traditional grain in animal feed, our researcher will spearhead groundbreaking research that not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also contributes to the advancement of animal nutrition,” said PVAMU Vice President of Research and Innovation Dr. Magesh Rajan.

The study, Evaluating the Nutritional Profile of Industrial Hemp Farm-Byproducts and Extraction Residues as Alternative Feed Resources for Goats, aims to improve the efficiency of goats in their nutrient utilization and explore novel human-inedible feed materials as alternative nutrient sources.

The researchers will focus on understanding the chemical composition and nutritional values of hemp extraction residues as an alternative feed for dairy and meat goats.

Offering hemp biomass byproducts as an animal feed alternative for the livestock industry could open a new commercial market for hemp.

“The involvement of six multi-disciplinary scientists from PVAMU’s academic and research programs demonstrates the team’s commitment to partnership and efficient use of resources. The project also fosters academic and industrial collaboration, such as with goat producers, hemp farmers and hemp processing industries across Texas,” Kidane said. “Given the breadth and scope of the study, a collaborative approach is indispensable for the success of this proposed project, requiring synergistic efforts from scientists in multiple disciplines.”

Click here for more information about the project and Kidane’s research experience in goat nutrition.