Hempseed Cake in Veal Calves' Diets: A Notable Study in Animal Behavior and Nutrition

In the ever-evolving world of animal nutrition, a recent study sheds light on an innovative ingredient: hemp seed cake (HSC). This study, titled "Evaluation of behavior in veal calves fed milk containing different levels of hemp seed cake (Cannabis sativa L.)," explores how HSC affects the behavior of Belgian Blue veal calves.

The Study's Framework

Conducted on 48 Belgian Blue veal calves, the study aimed to understand the impact of different levels of HSC in milk replacer on the calves' behavior. The calves, divided into three groups, received varying HSC concentrations: 0% (CTR), 3% (T3), and 6% (T6). Over six months, their behavior was meticulously recorded, focusing on typical activities like resting, ruminating, and interaction with their environment.

Key Findings: Hempseed Cake's Influence

Interestingly, the study revealed that HSC inclusion in the calves' diet had a negligible effect on most of their behaviors, a crucial aspect for any new dietary ingredient. Calves spent most of their time engaging in typical behaviors like resting and ruminating. However, some changes were observed:

• Increased appetite for solid food and licking behavior in the late afternoon for T3 and T6 groups.
• Enhanced movement in T3 female calves during the late afternoon.
• Reduced positive interaction, movement, and cross-sucking in male calves with increased HSC inclusion.

Hemp Seeds: A healthy protein source

Hemp seeds are a great vegan protein source that go well with almost any dish, from soup to stir-fry. They are great for refining sweet as well as hearty dishes and can be easily integrated into daily meals, e.g. as a topping for porridge, salad or a snack.

Signature Products BlogTeresa Martinez

Hemp seed Cake: A Sustainable Ingredient

Hemp, primarily known for its fiber, has seen a surge in interest as a feed ingredient. Rich in essential fatty acids, hemp by-products like oil, seeds, and cake are being tested for various animals, including calves. The study's findings are significant, suggesting that HSC can be safely incorporated into veal calves' diets without adverse behavioral effects.

Implications for the Future

This study not only adds to our understanding of hemp's utility in animal feed, but also responds to the growing interest in animal welfare and sustainable agricultural practices. The use of hemp cake as a novel ingredient in calves' feed could pave the way for more environmentally friendly and ethically conscious farming practices, as hemp is a very sustainable plant with many benefits for other crops and the soil itself.

How Hemp contributes to EU Green Deal objectives

Hemp can make a decisive contribution to achieving a large number of goals set by the European Green Deal initiative.

Signature Products BlogLea Schmid

Conclusion: Embracing Innovation in Animal Nutrition

At Signature Products, we are interested in practices that can make our future more sustainable. Hemp offers so many opportunities to support this, and it seems that the animal feed sector is no exception. That's why we recognise the importance of this innovative research for the future. The results of the study open up new possibilities for the inclusion of hemp products in animal feed, offering a blend of nutritional benefits and sustainability.

Stay tuned to our blog and our LinkedIn Profile to learn more about current research and developments in the hemp industry. Together we are moving towards a more sustainable and responsible future in animal agriculture and farming in general.

Recipe: Hemp Milk

Make this creamy and delicious hemp milk at home and profit from its vitamins and trace elements. This recipe inlucdes our Signature Products peeled hemp seeds.

Signature Products BlogTeresa Martinez