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Will hemp change the way we feed horses?

By Dr Catherine Dunnett
First Published: 14 October 2009 - Issue Number: 14

An ideal bedding material for horses, hemp is also used in clothing, paper and even insulation in the construction industry. Importantly, it is also increasingly popular as a food ingredient.
 

p>Hemp has been synonymous with horse bedding for many years, as its fibrous properties give these products good cushioning and absorptive properties. The fibrous properties of hemp also make it attractive to other diverse uses outside of the equine industry including in the manufacture of clothing, garden mulch and paper and it has even been used in the construction industry within insulation material. Latterly, hemp has become popular as a food ingredient for people, being associated with well-known brands such as ‘The Food Doctor’ and ‘Ryvita.’ It has also been investigated as a feed ingredient for farm animals, including laying hens and dairy cows. Hemp is primarily an oilseed crop like soybean, linseed and rapeseed, and it is the grain or seed that contains the majority of the nutritional value. In comparison to other oilseed crops, hemp produces a very high yield (~10 tons of dry matter per acre per year) and therefore it is not surprising that in recent years it has become a good economic crop for farmers in some parts of the world.

 

Hemp is reputed to contain minimal allergens
Hemp is a relatively environmentally friendly crop, as its requirement for pesticides and herbicides is apparently minimal. It is also reputed to contain minimal potential allergens. For horses in training that are prone to dietary-induced urticaria or hives, or where dietary sensitivity contributes to chronic loose droppings, hemp offers a possible alternative to traditional protein sources. Hemp is free from gluten, wh...

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