Assessment of the Palatability and Acceptability of Hempseed Meal Pellets in Horses Compared to Mainstream Feedstuffs.
Authors: Springer Ryon W, Mason A Cheyenne, Cross Teighlor D, Guay Kimberly A, Raub Randel H, Wellmann Kimberly B, Jones Trinette N
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hempseed Meal as a Novel Equine Feedstuff Recent legislative changes have improved access to hemp products, prompting investigation into their nutritional viability for horses. Researchers conducted two palatability trials: the first compared hempseed meal (HSM) pellets directly against soybean meal, rice bran, and beet pulp in a Latin Square design with six horses over multiple 3-day feeding periods, whilst the second tracked voluntary intake of HSM pellets over six consecutive days in six geldings. Horses consumed significantly more HSM than soybean meal and beet pulp, with intake comparable to rice bran, and notably, consumption increased substantially over successive days—suggesting an initial novelty aversion that resolves with familiarity. Concurrent hay consumption remained independent of HSM intake, indicating HSM can be incorporated into rations without displacing forage. For practitioners formulating balanced diets, these findings suggest hempseed meal represents a viable and increasingly palatable alternative protein source to conventional feedstuffs, though the adaptation period should be considered when introducing it to naive horses.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Hempseed meal pellets may be introduced to horses as a palatable alternative protein/energy source with acceptability improving over the first week of feeding
- •Unlike some alternative feedstuffs, hempseed meal does not appear to reduce forage intake, making it suitable for inclusion in complete balanced rations without compromising hay consumption
- •With similar or superior palatability to established feed ingredients, hempseed meal represents a viable option for nutritionists and stable managers seeking feedstuff diversification or novel protein sources
Key Findings
- •Hempseed meal consumption was significantly greater than soybean meal (P = 0.005) and beet pulp pellets (P < 0.001) but similar to rice bran pellets (P = 0.19)
- •Hempseed meal intake increased significantly over successive feeding periods (P < 0.001), with day 6 consumption greater than days 1-3 (P < 0.05)
- •Hay consumption decreased over time (greater on days 1-2 than day 6, P < 0.01) but showed no correlation with hempseed meal intake (R² = 0.001)
- •Hempseed meal demonstrates palatability comparable to or exceeding common equine feedstuffs and could serve as a viable replacement ingredient in equine rations