A study funded by AgriFutures Australia has investigated the potential of hemp as a feed option for livestock in Western Australia. Researchers found that feeding hemp pellets to sheep led to improved energy availability and digestibility compared to a control diet, suggesting that hemp could be a viable summer feed option for livestock (AgriFutures Australia, n.d.).
Hemp is a hardy plant that requires less water and pesticides compared to other crops, making it a more sustainable option for agriculture. Using hemp as a forage crop could offer several benefits, such as a new revenue stream for farmers and a more sustainable option for agriculture (McPartland, 2018).
However, there are some challenges associated with using hemp as a forage crop for livestock. One of the biggest challenges is meeting regulatory standards for THC levels. The hemp used in the study had THC levels that were too high to meet Australian regulations, highlighting the need for further research to develop best management practices that meet regulatory standards (AgriFutures Australia, n.d.).
Despite these challenges, the study is a promising development in the exploration of using hemp as a forage crop. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of feeding hemp to different types of livestock and to develop optimal feeding practices. This includes further investigations into the nutritional value and market regulations of hemp as a forage crop (AgriFutures Australia, n.d.).
In summary, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of using hemp as a feed option for livestock. While more research is needed, the study suggests that hemp could provide superior nutritional benefits to livestock and offer a more sustainable option for agriculture (McPartland, 2018; AgriFutures Australia, n.d.).
References: AgriFutures Australia. (n.d.). Hemp pellets as summer feed for sheep. Retrieved April 28, 2023
