June 28, 2023

Cattle in Western Australia's south coast fed hemp-based pellets in trial

Cattle are being fed hemp-based pellets on a farm on Western Australia's south coast, in a trial that aims to improve their health and meat quality.

The independent study involves feeding the hemp pellets to nine Angus-Wagyu cross cattle, with the control herd eating other pasture fodder.

"Based on the quality of the plant with the omegas and the essential fatty acids as well as the protein, we should… see an increase in beneficial omegas," said Chelsea Beaton, co-director of Raintree Estate, home to a licensed hemp crop used mainly to produce a hemp spirit for gin and vodka — with the by-product from the distilling process being used in the pellets.

"In the animal, we're hoping to see decreased cholesterol but also for humans, and in human consumption, we're looking to produce a meat product that is healthier than anything else on the shelf," Beaton added. She said she hoped to see an improvement for animal health, human health and the planet.

According to Beaton, animal health were closely monitored during the trial, while Raintree works with regulatory bodies and legislation in Australia to ensure it is adhering to all policies.

"One of the things we are checking is that there's no transfer of any of the THC or CBD constituents … coming over into the meat," she said.

- ABC