Accelerating wattle seed production for the Australian native food industry
The Australian wattle seed (Acacia spp.) industry is poised for significant growth after the establishment of several commercial orchards in recent years. In 2020, about...
Opening the gates to hemp-grazed livestock in Australia
32 pages
Published: 20 Dec 2021
Author(s): Dr Bronwyn Blake
ISBN: 978-1-76053-231-4
Share this content
-
Download report PDF
Download -
Purchase a hard copy - AUD $50
In Australia, current regulation states that a contaminant such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, cannot be present in supplied animal products unless Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has set a safe allowed level (a ‘maximum level’) for the contaminant, and the contaminant does not exceed that level. FSANZ has not set a maximum level for THC in animal products due to lack of data. Work in this area is critical to progressing regulation and allowing hemp to be used as a livestock feed in Australia.
Very little data exists on hemp biomass (stalk, leaf, flower) as a forage for ruminants, yet the high biomass yield from this crop is one of its assets. Hemp plants can deliver an estimated 5-15 t biomass/ha of potential forage material in critical forage-deficit periods for ruminants. However, regulating bodies are currently unable to draw conclusion on the use of hemp biomass-derived feed materials due to lack of occurrence data.
The primary aim of this research was to understand the suitability of whole-plant hemp as a forage for ruminants. Phase 1 was designed as a pilot study, and investigated nutritional value, animal performance and cannabinoid residues of sheep receiving full ration pellets containing two inclusion levels of hemp stubble.
The results of Phase 1 (this project) have led to the development of a Phase 2 project. In Phase 2, data will provide valuable insight into the half-life of THC in sheep and cattle, and the rate of elimination of THC from various tissues.
Related resources
Ten reasons for growing and drinking Australian Coffee
Could you be our next Australian coffee investor or producer? The cooler climate of Australia’s subtropical latitudes provides a longer ripening season which brings out...
Sea Cucumber Health and Biosecurity: Hatchery and Nursery Guide
The current farm gate value of sea cucumber (Holothuroidea) is approximately US$4.4 billion, from an overseas market yielding 200,000 tonnes. With demand projected to increase,...
Sea Cucumber Health and Biosecurity: Ranching and Grow-Out Guide
In response to global market demand for sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea), Australia has a significant opportunity to expand its aquaculture industry beyond wild-caught specimens. Escalating demand...
Industry placemat: Crocodile
This placemat serves as a resource for those interested in the emerging crocodile industry. Within this placemat, you’ll find essential fast facts alongside the fundamental...
Industry placemat: Coffee
This placemat serves as a resource for those interested in the emerging Australian-grown coffee industry. Within this placemat, you’ll find essential fast facts alongside the...
Amendment of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit the sale of Moringa oleifera as food
Moringa, Moringa oleifera Lamarck, is a fast-growing, sub-tropical tree from the family Moringaceae that has global application as a highly nutritious ‘super food’. The high-protein...