Effects of processing methods on nutritive value, cannabinoid profiles and pellet quality of hemp leaf-based feeds

Naroon  Waramit; Jiraporn  Chaugool; Nongluk  Teinseree; Phoompong  Boonsaen; Pattrawan  Khamboonruang; Anuruck  Arunyanark

Authors

Naroon Waramit Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Jiraporn Chaugool Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Nongluk Teinseree Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Phoompong Boonsaen Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Pattrawan Khamboonruang Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Anuruck Arunyanark Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand

Keywords:

Digestibility, Feed quality, Fiber composition, Livestock nutrition, Molasses binder

Abstract

Importance of the work: Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a potential alternative feed
resource because of its favorable chemical composition and relatively high protein content; however,
its use is constrained by variable nutritive value and concerns over cannabinoid residues.
Objectives: To evaluate the chemical composition, nutritive value and cannabinoid concentrations
of hemp leaf-based feeds processed as hay, silage and pellets and to compare the hemp pellet
formulations prepared with molasses or cassava starch as binders.
Materials and Methods: Hemp leaves were processed into hay, silage and pellets and analyzed
for chemical composition, fiber fractions, crude protein and cannabinoids. Hemp leaf pellets with
molasses or cassava starch were compared with leucaena [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit]
leaf pellets. Forage quality indices were calculated: dry matter digestibility (DMD), dry matter
intake (DMI) and relative feed value (RFV).
Results: Pellets had the lowest moisture content (5.6%) and the highest dry matter (94.4%). Silage
contained the highest cannabidiolic acid (2.27 mg/g), whereas pellets had the highest cannabidiol
(7.64 mg/g). Leucaena pellets had higher crude protein (17.2%) but also higher fiber levels. Among
the hemp pellet formulations, molasses-bound pellets had the most favorable calculated forage
quality indices, with significantly higher estimated DMD (74.96%), predicted DMI (3.34% of body
weight) and RFV (193.9), but lower crude protein content.
Main finding: Pelleting hemp leaves, particularly with molasses, improved the calculated forage
quality indices and feed-handling potential. However, the reduced crude protein in pellets containing
a binder and measurable cannabinoid concentrations indicated that practical use should be restricted
to regulated and monitored feeding systems and validated through animal-based studies before
commercial application