Hemp inflorescence meal as a novel feed ingredient in laying hens: Safety assessment, nutritional characterization, and effects on egg quality.

Abstract

Hemp inflorescence meal (HIM) is a byproduct of cannabinoid extraction and offers a sustainable, nutrient-rich alternative for animal feed. However, its application in poultry diets remains limited due to concerns regarding residual cannabinoid transfer to eggs. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition, metabolizable energy, production performance, egg quality, and cannabinoid residue safety of HIM when included in laying hen diets. HIM was analyzed for proximate composition, amino acid profile, and cannabinoid content (cannabidiol [CBD] and tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) using standard analytical methods and liquid chromatography-diode array detection. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) was determined through prediction equations and in vivo assays using chromium oxide as a marker. A total of 108 Lohmann Brown laying hens (84 weeks old) were assigned to control and treatment groups (10% HIM inclusion) and fed for 4 weeks. Production parameters and egg quality were measured weekly. Eggs were analyzed for cannabinoid residues at the end of the study. HIM contained 25% crude protein, 11.8% crude fiber, and had a predicted AME of 2,098 kcal/kg, closely matching the in vivo AME of 2,110 kcal/kg. Trace CBD (6.27 mg/kg) was present in HIM, while THC was undetectable; no cannabinoid residues were found in eggs. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in production performance between groups. However, HIM inclusion significantly improved albumen height (7.82 mm vs. 6.76 mm, p = 0.02), Haugh unit (86.73 vs. 80.30, p = 0.03), and reduced yolk-to-albumen ratio (39.02 vs. 40.59, p = 0.04). The inclusion of 10% HIM in laying hen diets is safe, as evidenced by the absence of cannabinoid residues in eggs and stable production performance. HIM enhanced egg white quality, likely due to its high protein content and bioactive compounds. These findings support HIM as a functional, sustainable feed component in poultry nutrition. Future studies should focus on optimal inclusion levels, amino acid supplementation, and long-term impacts on egg quality and bird health.