New innovations are constantly improving the best possible nutrition we can give our horses, and now high-quality feeds derived from hemp seeds are attracting growing interest.
When the topic of hemp arises, often one of the first questions asked is whether it’s the same as marijuana. Yes, they are both derived from the cannabis family, but no, they are generally considered to come from different subspecies of plant. Industrial hemp products are made from plants selected to produce an abundance of fibre, rather than the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Industrial hemp crops are similar to other traditional grains in that the tops are harvested for the seed, and the remaining plant material is harvested for other uses including fibre and cloth production.
When it comes to use in livestock feed, it is the seeds from industrial hemp plants that are harvested; these are then kept as whole seeds, or processed to separate the hearts and hulls and also produce hemp seed oil, all of which can be used in various ways to feed our equine friends.
Unlike marijuana, hemp seeds are very low in THC, with less than 4 ppm. Another phytocannabinoid, known as cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have any intoxicating properties, is found in low quantities in hemp seeds (less than 0.4%). CBD oil (often referred to as medicinal cannabis) is also beginning to gain traction to help treat a range of conditions in horses. (You can read more about medicinal cannabis for horses in the November 2020 issue of Equestrian Life).
HOW CAN HEMP BENEFIT HORSES?
Several noteworthy academic studies on hemp seeds’ potential as livestock feed have shown that hemp is an ideal, complete protein alternative to traditional stockfeed sources. Not only are hemp seeds a great source of high-quality, easily digested protein, but their oil contains naturally high levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in addition to being a rich source of important amino acids.
Hemp seeds have approximately three times more omega 6 than omega 3 fatty acids, giving them a 3:1 ratio. Hemp meal (derived from the cold pressing process for creating hemp oil) provides an ideal source of omega fatty acids, protein and fibre.
There are two types of fat in hemp seeds that you won’t find in significant quantities elsewhere:
• Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) — Research shows that GLA is somewhat unique among omega 6 fatty acids, in that unlike most other Omega fats, it supports anti-inflammatory processes in animals.
• Stearidonic acid (omega 3) — This is a precursor to longer chain omega 3s, DHA and EPA (which are found in fish oils), and can significantly reduce inflammation.
Other key benefits of hemp for horses are that it’s highly palatable and great for the picky eater, and is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E.
Research is also currently underway to determine how the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds may assist horses. Shelly Turner, who works at the University of Kentucky (UK) Gluck Equine Research Centre, is currently working under the guidance of associate research professor Amanda Adams, PhD, to determine what effects industrial hemp seeds have on equine health with a focus on immune function. First, they want to understand the pharmacokinetics of industrial hempseed products in the horse.
“We will then focus on understanding what anti-inflammatory properties hemp seed may have on the horse as well as on joint mobility and lameness,” Turner said. “In addition, we are interested in understanding what effects hempseed products may have on the stress response in the horse.” This data is due to be released in 2022, giving the industry further insight into the natural healing properties of hemp seeds.
HOW CAN HEMP BE INCLUDED IN A HORSE’S DIET?
Hemp seeds can be fed whole, ground, hulled or as an oil. For a full-sized horse, the typical dose is ½ to 2 cups of whole/ground seeds per day depending on the horse’s condition and energy needs. If the horse is overweight, you can feed hempseed hulls (hulls and hearts), which has less fat than whole hempseed products. For horses requiring more energy or those who need to gain weight, hempseed oil is an excellent way to add more calories.
However, for those who prefer to have their nutrition ‘all in the bag’, there is now a new product on the market that incorporates the benefits of hemp seeds into a complete feed.
A NEW FEED INNOVATION
Boutique Victorian stockfeed manufacturer Green Valley Grains has recently produced a revolutionary complete feed for horses — Green Valley Naturals Pure Vitality — that utilises the unique properties of hemp seeds.
This feed utilises their EquiHemp meal and oil, which is produced from Australian industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa), and contains micro to zero quantities of THC. Formulated to deliver a low-starch, high-fibre complete feed, Pure Vitality is the perfect feed for mature horses of any discipline, in light to moderate workload. Fortified with high quality, chelated minerals and vitamins, the range also contains naturally occurring omega 3, 6 and 9 as well as the added benefit of Pron8ure IFS, which combines three essential elements: a prebiotic, dual strain probiotic, and multi-strain enzyme. This combination forms a natural microflora management tool for improved digestion, resulting in better performance and good health.
The health benefits to the animal when consuming industrial hemp is phenomenal, but Green Valley respects and complies with industry standards for those competing at a world class level — therefore, riders must be mindful that there is a very minimal risk of swabbing if the lab is specifically testing for THC.
In addition to the benefits of hemp, Pure Vitality also delivers a low-starch diet, the benefits of which are well documented for horses; it helps to regulate blood glucose levels, which in turn can help to curb excitability, insulin resistance or sensitivity, obesity, and muscle disorders or stiffness.
BIG ENOUGH TO SUPPLY, SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE
Green Valley Grains is 100% Australian owned and has a core focus on supporting local producers and farmers. Building strong foundations over the past decade, the team has a keen focus on supplying superior products that are packed with nutrition, utilising quality grains and modern manufacturing technologies. They are a proud, accredited FeedSafe Mill and member of the Stock Feed Manufacturers Council of Australia (SFMCA).
The Green Valley Naturals range offers consumers the opportunity to become more sustainable and have a more holistic approach to the feeding and care of their animals. Scientifically designed using pure and natural ingredients, they deliver nutritionally superior, consistent products that fully support overall health and well-being. The range is based on the ethos of being sustainably sensitive, and uses only quality, Australian-grown ingredients.
To complement the launch of their equestrian product, Pure Vitality, the Green Valley Naturals range also includes hemp-based products including whole hemp seeds, hemp hearts and hulls, hempseed oil, flax and hemp oil, natural hemp-based shampoo and conditioner and topical aids including Healing Aid wound ointment and Farm Hands moisturising cream (a percentage of profits from the sale of this product goes directly to support Rural Aid Australia!). EQ
To find out more about Green Valley Naturals Pure Vitality, please visit www.greenvalleynaturals.com.au
