Assessment of the palatability and acceptability of hempseed meal pellets in horses compared to mainstream feedstuffs

With greater availability of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) due to recent legislation, hempseed meal (HSM) should be evaluated as a potential feedstuff for livestock. The study objective was to evaluate the palatability of HSM in horses. Trial 1 used a modified 3×3 Latin Square design utilizing 3 geldings and 3 mares. Feeding periods (6d) consisted of two feedings/d with a washout phase (3d) before each treatment phase (3d). During treatment, horses were offered soybean meal pellets (SBM), rice bran pellets (RBP), or beet pulp pellets (BPP) in one bucket (500g) and HSM in a second bucket (500g) each feeding. In Trial 2, six geldings were offered 1kg of HSM pellets over two 5-min periods, 1 h apart each day, with 1kg of Coastal Bermudagrass hay between offerings. Consumption of HSM in Trial 1 was greater than SBM (P=0.005) and BPP (P<0.001) but not different from RBP (P=0.19). Consumption of HSM increased with each subsequent period (P<0.001). In Trial 2, intake of HSM on d1, d2, and d3 were less than d6 (P<0.05). Hay consumption was greater on d1 and d2 than d6 (P<0.01). Hay consumption and HSM intake were not correlated (R²=0.001). These findings indicate that HSM may be similar in palatability to RBP and more palatable than SBM and BPP. Consumption of HSM increases over time, but is not impacted by hay consumption. In equine rations, HSM may serve as an acceptable replacement to more common feedstuffs.