The U.S. hemp industry is looking to animal feed as a potential outlet for surplus biomass and processing byproducts, with research showing nutritional promise but cannabinoid residue concerns and fragmented regulation continuing to limit commercial uptake.
A study published 24 September 2026 in the journal Animals reports that feeding whole hemp seeds to Holstein–Friesian bulls at a 10% concentrate inclusion rate raised zinc, magnesium, iron, retinol, and α-tocopherol in muscle tissue and improved the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, though higher inclusion at 17% produced little additional benefit and neither level increased long-chain omega-3 PUFA concentrations.
An Ohio State University Extension specialist says reports of Gibberella ear rot during the 2026 corn silage harvest indicate likely Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZEA) contamination, and urges dairy producers to sample feed now and again at feed-out, while reviewing storage and nutritional management practices to limit herd impacts.
IFF has introduced Omni-Bos™ PHY, a phytase enzyme developed specifically for dairy cattle, with initial commercial launches planned across the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The product is designed to remain active in the abomasum and targets the longstanding limitation of conventional phytases in ruminant nutrition.
Scotmin Nutrition, part of the Fevara plc portfolio, has launched LithoNutri, a natural marine-derived rumen buffer produced from calcified red marine algae, targeting improved rumen pH stability and reduced risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis in UK dairy and beef cattle.
Olam Agri has moved into ruminant nutrition with the launch of its Tru Value cattle feed range in Nigeria, expanding its Integrated Feed & Protein business beyond poultry and aquaculture. The three-product line — covering beef and dairy categories — was unveiled at an event in Kaduna State attended by Nigeria's Minister of Livestock Development and a broad range of industry stakeholders.