Summary
This controlled field trial compared hemp hay to alfalfa hay as a 250 g/head/day dietary supplement in twenty dairy goats on pasture with concurrent barley–corn concentrate. Hemp supplementation increased milk yield significantly whilst maintaining chemical composition, but substantially altered the milk fatty acid profile by reducing several saturated fatty acids and medium-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids whilst increasing eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n3) and lowering pro-inflammatory fatty acid ratios. The findings suggest hemp hay may offer a practical alternative fodder with potential benefits to milk fatty acid composition for ruminant producers.
UK applicability
The results may be relevant to UK organic and integrated dairy goat systems seeking forage diversification, particularly in pasture-based production. However, transferability depends on UK hemp cultivation viability, regulatory status of hemp as animal feed, and whether observed effects would replicate under UK temperate grazing conditions and with UK goat breeds.
Key measures
Daily milk yield; monthly milk samples analysed for chemical composition (protein, fat, lactose) and fatty acid profile including individual saturated fatty acids (C11:0 through C17:0), monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2 n6, C20:4, C20:5 n3), conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), and fatty acid ratios (n6/n3, LA/ALA, AA/EPA)
Outcomes reported
The study measured milk yield, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile in dairy goats supplemented with hemp hay versus alfalfa hay. Outcomes included changes in saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations and ratios (n6/n3, LA/ALA, AA/EPA).
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