A new review of dozens of studies concludes that hemp-derived feed ingredients can increase omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial polyunsaturated fats in meat, eggs and dairy products without negatively affecting growth or productivity, reinforcing the case for broader acceptance of hemp by-products in livestock rations.
Researchers from Yozgat Bozok University and Erciyes University in Turkey concluded that hemp feed ingredients have shown positive effects across multiple species, production systems and regulatory environments.
The review, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Hemp and Biotechnology Research by Yozgat Bozok University’s Hemp Research Institute, is one of the broadest recent reviews of hemp-derived livestock feed ingredients, synthesizing studies on cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and quail from North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
The findings are relevant to a growing hemp segment that seeks higher-value outlets for grain and processing by-products, with the most immediate opportunity in high-protein feeds.
Broad review
The paper brings together research covering a wide range of hemp feed inputs, including whole seed, hempseed cake, hempseed meal, hemp oil, hemp leaves, spent biomass remaining after cannabinoid extraction, and cannabidiol (CBD) products.
Across the studies reviewed, hemp ingredients generally produced growth rates, feed efficiency and meat yields comparable to conventional feed ingredients such as soybean meal and canola products. Researchers found little evidence that hemp supplementation negatively affected animal performance when included at practical feeding levels.
Healthier meat
The strongest and most consistent benefit was improvement in meat quality, particularly fatty-acid composition.
Multiple studies reported increases in omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and other beneficial polyunsaturated fats in meat, eggs and milk from animals fed hemp-derived inputs. Omega-3s and ALA are associated with heart health and are widely valued by consumers seeking foods with improved nutritional profiles. Some lamb studies cited in the review found omega-3 levels increased by roughly 24% to 44%, while hemp oil supplementation significantly boosted omega-3 content in pork and poultry products.
Researchers also found evidence that hemp-derived compounds can extend shelf life and help maintain meat quality during storage by slowing deterioration in fats and tissues.
Feed economics
The review arrives as livestock producers worldwide continue searching for alternatives to conventional protein and energy feeds, which account for the largest share of production costs.
The global market for conventional livestock feed ingredients — dominated by corn, soybean meal and other grain- and oilseed-based feeds — is estimated at roughly $300 billion to $400 billion annually.
Hempseed meal and cake attracted particular attention as potential substitutes for soybean meal. Several studies found they delivered similar production outcomes while providing additional nutritional benefits. Some research also suggested hemp feed ingredients may help reduce nitrogen emissions and improve sustainability metrics.
The authors caution that results vary depending on animal species, hemp ingredient, inclusion rate and production system. Very high inclusion levels occasionally affected moisture retention and flavor in meat, or caused changes in animals’ digestive systems, although such effects generally did not reduce overall meat quality or production performance.