PSIII-19 - Effect of hemp (cannabis sativa) supplementation on vital and behavioral responses of weaned beef cattle

Abstract: Weaning induces stress to both cows and calves and hence, reduces growth performance and behavioral characteristics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of industrial hemp supplementation on the vital and behavioral parameters on calves. Twelve (12) apparently healthy calves, with average body weight of 600 lb and ages 6 months were used for this studies. These calves were randomly divided into four (4) groups of three calves per each and hemp was supplemented. Group 1 (20/200mg normal concentrate for 4 weeks, CC), group 2 (14 days feeding normal concentrate pre-weaning and 14 days of feeding 20/200mg industrial hemp CH), group 3 (14 days of industrial hemp supplementation pre-weaning and 14 days of normal concentrate HC) and group 4 (4 weeks of hemp supplemented feed). Vital and behavioral parameters were measured once a week, for two weeks pre-weaning and two weeks post-weaning. Temperature was measured using thermometer, pulse rate was measured using stethoscope and respiratory rate by costo-abdominal movement. The chute score, exit score and vocalization were observed scored and recorded. The rectal temperature significantly decreased from week 1 to week 2 and thereafter increased significantly but where higher in the hemp supplemented groups. The respiratory rate significantly decreased in all the groups from week 1 to week two and there after increased significantly in all the groups but lowest in the (HH and HC) hemp supplemented groups. The heart rate also increased steadily across the hemp supplemented group with the normal range. The chute score elaborated a higher percentage of calmness, higher percentage of walking proportion and higher percentage of non-vocalizers in the hemp supplemented groups compared to the non-hemp supplemented group. It was concluded that hemp supplementation at pre and post weaning could improve the thermoregulation, respiratory efficiency and cardiac function as well as improving the behavior of the calves at weaning.