PS4-25. Spent Hemp Biomass (SHB) as a Potential Protein Supplement for Goats.

Abstract

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L) is a multipurpose herbaceous crop used for food and medicinal purposes for centuries. Industrial hemp has been extensively used for CBD oil extraction. This extraction process in turn produces a large volume of extraction residues, specifically, Spent Hemp Biomass (SHB). Although hemp seeds and flowers are high in macro and micronutrients essential in human diets, little information is available in the literature regarding the value of SHB as a feed for animals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritive values of spent hemp biomass (SHB) as feed for goats. From November 2023 to April 2024, 12 hemp varieties were grown in a separate pot in a Greenhouse setting. Samples of trimmed leaves and stems were handpicked and stored in a refrigerator for further analysis. Whereas, samples of SHB of different mixes were collected from a CBD processing company. Samples were oven-dried, ground to pass a 2-mm screen to determine dry matter (DM) contents, and analyzed for crude protein (CP) and mineral content. The results showed significant differences in CP contents among strains of hemp plants and SHB, while mineral contents showed no detectable differences. While the CP content of plant biomass was low, ranging from 7.8% to 18.4%, SHB had higher CP%, ranging between 22.4% and 27.2%. This latter range is comparable to the CP contents of high-quality feeds, such as alfalfa. Furthermore, SHB showed higher TDN (66%) compared to HPB (63%). Therefore, given the comparable CP and TDN contents, SHB has the potential to serve as a supplementary ingredient in ruminant diets. However, further research is warranted to determine the nutritional attributes, including digestibility, palatability, and safety, using in vivo feeding trials in goats.