<h2>Groundbreaking Study: Hemp in Livestock Feed Evaluated by Oregon State University</h2>
<p>A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Oregon State University has shed light on the potential viability of incorporating hemp into livestock feed. The study primarily focused on how cannabinoids accumulate and clear from the system of dairy cows when hemp is included in their diet. Despite its legality for cultivation since 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still does not permit hemp in livestock feed due to concerns over THC accumulation and consumer safety. The study, titled "Cannabinoid Distribution and Clearance in Feeding Spent Hemp Biomass to Dairy Cows and the Potential Exposure to Δ9-THC by Consuming Milk," was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in May 2025.</p>
<p>Led by Massimo Bionaz, Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences at OSU, the research aims to provide essential data that could potentially lead to FDA approval for the use of spent hemp biomass (SHB) as a feed supplement. With over 60% of the U.S. hemp grown for CBD extraction, the resulting SHB presents a promising opportunity for the agricultural industry. As the research progresses, it continues to capture the attention of those invested in the cannabis industry.</p>
<h2>Research Methodology and Key Findings</h2>
<p>The conducted study meticulously involved 18 Jersey cows, splitting them into two groups over a period of 28 days. Nine cows were fed a diet incorporating 13% SHB, and the remaining nine were given a control diet of 13% alfalfa pellets. Following this feeding regimen, a four-week withdrawal period ensued, where all cows resumed a standard control diet. Advanced techniques like ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) were utilized to assess cannabinoid presence in milk.</p>
<p>Findings revealed less than 1% transfer of cannabinoids from hemp-based feed into milk. Intriguingly, while THC traces disappeared from the milk after 12 days of withdrawal, it remained detectable in fat tissue for up to 30 days. CBD and its acidic form, CBDA, were found in cow plasma for as long as 90 days post-withdrawal. Despite surpassing the acute reference dose of THC initially, levels gradually diminished over time, suggesting no long-term risk from consuming milk after a withdrawal period.</p>
<h2>Implications for Hemp-Based Feed in Agriculture</h2>
<p>This study represents a significant stride towards integrating hemp into livestock feed, elevating its potential as a sustainable solution within the agricultural sector. The exploration aligns with previous findings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and North Dakota State University that have evidenced low residual THC and CBD within the meat of cows fed with hempseed cake, highlighting the protein-rich, fibrous nature of hemp.</p>
<p>Hemp's prospective marketability as a cost-effective and nutritious livestock feed source could revolutionize hemp supply chains, bolstering acceptance and utilization in larger agricultural practices. As more in-depth research like this emerges, Canna Daily News remains a pivotal source for updates and insights in this evolving cannabis sector.</p>
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