Hemp seed meal has received its first authorisation as poultry feed
The Hemp Feed Coalition (HFC) recently announced the tentative approval of Hemp Seed Meal (HSM) as a feed ingredient for laying hens. This approval is aiming to secure federal acceptance for hemp grain products in animal feed.
In a significant development within the U.S. agricultural sector, the Hemp Feed Coalition (HFC) recently announced the tentative approval of Hemp Seed Meal (HSM) as a feed ingredient for laying hens. This decision, endorsed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and recommended by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM), represents a significant step forward in the integration of hemp-based products into conventional animal nutrition.
Luisa Pfau
The AAFCO's approval came during their annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, on August 7, 2024, where 48 states voted in favour, with two abstaining. The integration of HSM into the AAFCO Official Publication, set for later this year, enables its immediate commercial use. This approval is the culmination of over three years of dedicated research and advocacy by the HFC, aiming to secure federal acceptance for hemp grain products in animal feed.
Nutritional advantages and safety of hemp seed meal
Hemp seed flour, which is obtained from the residue of pressed hemp seeds, is known for its richness in nutrients and offers a spectrum of essential vitamins, minerals and oils. It presents a complete protein profile and is in its functionality comparable to that of soy and canola. Research underscores the suitability of hemp as a feed ingredient, highlighting improvements in egg quality when HSM is included in hen diets—specifically, enhancements in essential fatty acids such as ALA, DHA, and GLA, as well as an increase in Lutein content.
Luisa Pfau
The safety of HSM has been rigorously evaluated by the FDA-CVM. The organisation's thorough examination confirmed that any potential cannabinoid contaminants in Hemp Seed Meal do not transfer to the eggs, ensuring that the final human food product remains unaffected and safe.
Implications for the agricultural and feed industries
The approval of HSM is not merely a regulatory milestone but also a potential catalyst for change within the feed and agricultural sectors. It addresses several challenges currently faced by feed formulators and mills who have been keen on diversifying their protein sources. With this new ingredient, the industry can expect enhanced feed efficiencies and potentially lower input costs due to the crop’s minimal requirements.
Lea Schmid
Furthermore, the adoption of hemp in animal feed promises broader agricultural benefits. Farmers have shown increasing interest in hemp due to its positive impacts on soil health, disease control, and farm flexibility. Hemp cultivation requires lower inputs compared to traditional crops, promoting a more sustainable agricultural model.
Andrew Bish, President of HFC and COO of Bish Enterprises, articulates this sentiment, stating that "Hemp’s integration into animal feed is a catalyst for agricultural advancement. It’s an opportunity for farmers to diversify with lower risk for supply chains to become more sustainable, and for the entire agricultural community to reap the benefits of this versatile crop."
Looking ahead
As the Hemp Feed Coalition prepares to extend its research and advocacy to other animal categories such as ruminants and broilers, the implications of this approval extend beyond poultry. The coalition, supported by a diverse group of industry stakeholders, continues to emphasise the importance of hemp as a sustainable and nutritious feed option.
Luisa Pfau
This significant success on the road to hemp approval underlines the evolving perception and use of hemp products in a regulatory environment that increasingly recognises their benefits for animals and humans. The approval of hemp seed meal could be a step towards a more sustainable and innovative future in animal nutrition. As the HFC and its members continue to explore new areas, agriculture may find itself on the brink of a green revolution in animal feed production.