Researchers in the US are currently working on a submission to the FDA for hemp seed to be approved for animal feed. In Australia, we are already one step ahead as hemp seed is allowed to be fed in the livestock industry, provided it is non-viable and does not result in residue disposition. It is vital that we maintain this regulatory status by demonstrating the safety of hemp seed for livestock. To date, all studies using hemp seed meal have concluded it is safe for livestock and for products going to market for human consumption.
In terms of value, hempseed meal is an excellent natural source of rumen-undegradable protein, a desired trait in ruminant digestion. The nutritional value is equivalent to heat-treated canola meal (Mustafa et al 1999). When substituted for canola meal, hemp seed meal included at 20% of diet DM basis had no detrimental effects on feed intake or nutrient utilization by sheep (Mustafa et al., 1999). Eriksson (2007) demonstrated hemp seed cake can replace soybean meal when fed to growing cattle with results in similar weight gain and carcass traits as well as improved rumen function due to the higher content of fibre. Gibb et al (2005) demonstrated full-fat hemp seed (not hemp seed meal) fed up to 14% of the diet can favourably alter carcass fat by increasing levels of CLA and n-3 fatty acids without negatively affecting performance.