Safety and efficacy of hemp products in broiler production
Loading...
Date
2018
Authors
Rasool, Umar
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The overall aim of the research presented in this thesis was to evaluate production performance parameters, and the fatty acid and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contents of breast and thigh muscles of fast-growing broiler chickens consuming diets containing hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) products. To address this aim, two experiments were conducted in growing broiler chickens to assess performance (gain, feed intake, feed efficiency) and muscle lipid and cannabinoid levels, in birds consuming diets containing whole hemp seed, hemp oil or hemp meal. In general, the use of hemp products, when included at isonitrogenous and isocaloric substitution levels, led to similar performance in broilers as corn-soybean meal-fed control birds. Additionally, given high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, in hemp products, muscle tissues were enriched in this fatty acid. Finally, levels of THC were below limits of detection in edible broiler tissues. The results provide evidence of the safety and efficacy of hemp product inclusion for use in diets of broiler chickens.
Description
Keywords
Hemp, broiler, THC, PUFA, n-3 fatty acids, chicken