INDUSTRIAL HEMP (Cannabis sativa L.) FOR A SUSTAINABLE FEEDING OF RUMINANTS: NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION AND EFFECTS ON ANIMAL PERFORMANCE

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) stands at the intersection of agriculture, legislation, and diverse applications, embodying a multifaceted crop with a rich history and a promising potential. Beginning with its legal framework, industrial hemp's status varies across countries, notably within and outside the European Union, reflecting the evolving perspectives on cannabis-related products. Exploring the plant's historical significance, taxonomy, current varieties, and cultivation practices provides a comprehensive foundation. Understanding the chemical composition of its different botanical fractions — stems, leaves, and seeds — unveils the versatility of hemp, showcasing its potential in various industries. Delving into the by-products of hemp seeds, such as oil, cake, and meal, underscores the nutritional significance of this resilient plant. Hemp seed, in particular, emerges as a nutritional powerhouse, with its balanced profile of proteins, essential fatty acids, and other vital nutrients. Beyond human consumption, hemp demonstrates potential in the animal industry, with studies investigating its viability as feed for ruminants and other animals. The exploration of hemp's stem as a potential animal bedding material presents another utility, highlighting its sustainable and eco-friendly qualities in agricultural practices. The aim of this work was to perform a complete overview of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a sustainable feed for ruminants. This included the chemical characterization of the whole plant, its botanical fractions and its derivatives (cake, meal, and oil). Also, the use of hempseed cake as feed for veals was tested. To finish with the use of hemp stems as an animal bedding material. In essence, industrial hemp transcends its botanical origins, intertwining with legal considerations, agricultural practices, nutritional value, and innovative applications in the animal industry. This investigation concluded that industrial hemp is a versatile and nutritionally valuable resource for feeding ruminants and encourages further exploration for discovering its effect in animal health, behavior and performance.