Supplementary materials: Feeding spent hemp biomass to lactating dairy cows: effects on performance, nitrogen metabolism, milk components and quality, methane emission, and blood parameters

Spent hemp biomass (SHB) is the byproduct of the extraction of cannabinoids from hemp and, although still illegal in US, it could be used as a feed ingredient for livestock. For the legalization is essential to assess the effect of SHB on health and performance of animals. In our study, feeding SHB to lactating dairy cows revealed a relative low palatability of SHB but no effect on performance, activity, immune system, and methane production but improved nitrogen use efficiency. Data suggested a possible low-grade inflammation and a decrease in liver clearance. Overall, SHB is a safe feedstuff for dairy cows.