PSIII-12 Palatability of Hempseed Meal Pellets Compared to Mainstream Feedstuffs in Horses

Abstract When the 2014 and 2018 US Farm Bills legalized hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), increased farming created an abundance of by-products. Hempseed meal (HSM) is a by-product hempseed oil extraction. With increasing availability, must be evaluated as potential feedstuff for sustainable livestock systems. The objective this study was to evaluate palatability HSM equine feedstuff. used modified 3x3 Latin Square design utilizing 3 mature geldings (G; 7.3 ± 2.5 yr) mares (M; 12.5 6.5 blocked by sex. Basal feed consumption bucket preference established during washout period 2 feedings/d over days before each period. During treatment (3d) horses were offered either 500g soybean pellets (SBM), rice bran (RBP), or beet pulp (BPP) in one second feeding. Feed treatments switched between positions Findings are presented mean SEM. Data analyzed using ANOVA within R Statistical Program©. found that (351.2 30.6g) did not differ with (p = 0.63), 0.94), sex 0.67). greater than SBM (237.7 34.8g; p 0.005) BPP (37.0 9.3g; p< 0.001) but different from RBP (299.1 35.2g; 0.19). subsequent (Period 1: 229.6 33.4g; Period 2: 381.3 27.1g; 3: 442.6 17.2; < 0.001). These findings indicate may more palatable similar RBP. continue increase time. serve acceptable replacement common feedstuffs rations.