Hemp seed is a valuable product for the human and animal food industry. Its unique properties allow the possibility of further development into value-added ingredients. The excellent attributes of hemp seed are their high nutritional value (protein and essential fatty acids) and the techno-functionality of bioactive components such tocopherols, phenols, sterols and vitamins (Burton et al 2022, Cerino et al 2021). Hemp seed oil is used across the world as a supplement for animals. There are numerous claims on its safety and effects on animals’ wellbeing however, unlike cannabinoid oils where there is increasing research and numerous papers associated with laboratory animals (Landa et al 2016) there are few results of studies using hemp seed oil in animals.
There are small numbers of papers and projects re: pharmacokinetics and safety of cannabinoid products in performance horses (Alicia et al 2022, Julia et al 2023) and companion animals (Wakshlag et al 2020, Bartner et al 2018) however these are limited studies regarding hemp seed oil in animals. Studies in Italy have determined hemp seed oil has small amounts of cannabinoids and other bioactive molecules (Trovato et al 2023 Citti et al 2018). Present labelling of commercially available products can be very misleading as studies have shown large variation in labelling and active constituents as well as health claims that do not comply with Australian regulatory bodies.
There is limited data and information regarding residues in animals consuming hemp seed oil and hemp seed cake. There are also concerns cannabinoids are known to accumulate in fat deposits and be released into the blood stream several weeks or months post ingestion. This could be a problem in performance animals undergoing medication control and as cannabinoids become integrated into pharmaceuticals this could also be a factor in assessing drug interactions in companion animals. This project addresses these emerging issues with a scientific animal research program further enhancing knowledge of feed utilisations for performance and companion animals.