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Effects of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) in total mixed ration diet on nutrient intake, milk yield and milk composition of dairy goats
Pawinee Archa 
, Sorasak Thongpea, Weerada Meethip, Nittaya Taethaisong, Jariya Surakhunthod, Siwaporn Paengkoum, Supreena Srisaikham,
Pramote Paengkoum
Abstract
Context: Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) forage containing cannabinoids has been reported as a potential feed ingredient for ruminant animals with a positive impact on milk fat (g/d) at the highest cannabis level of 10%. However, it has no impact on the dairy goats' feed intake or milk production. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating different levels of cannabis into a total mixed ration (TMR) on feed intake, and milk yield and composition in dairy goats. Methods: Four mid-lactating Saanen dairy goats, aged 2 to 3 years with a body weight of 53.4 ± 0.56 kg, were randomly assigned in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment over 60 days. The goats were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments, fed ad libitum, with inclusion levels of 0% (control group), 10%, 20%, and 30% (dry matter basis) of cannabis, respectively. Key results: Inclusion of cannabis sativa L. forage in the TMR did not affect dry matter and nutrient intakes on a per kg body weight basis among the treatments (P > 0.05), Goats offered a 10% cannabis diet had higher (P<0.05) BW change, but diet did not affect BUN levels. Similarly, diets had an effect on 3.5% FCM milk yield was lower, but diets had no effect on milk composition (g/d) (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Mid-lactating dairy goats fed TMR with 10% cannabis foliage had higher BW gain. The inclusion of 10% to 30% cannabis foliage led to lower milk yield and 3.5% FCM milk yield. However, the milk composition (g/d) of goats fed with inclusion levels of 0% (control group), 10%, 20% and 30% (day matter basis) of cannabis, respectively was not significantly affected (P > 0.05). Implication: Results of this study imply that cannabis foliage including the whole plant can be incorporated up to 10% in a TMR for mid-lactating dairy goats. Cannabis foliage has a very hard fiber component and a low palatability, thus more research is needed to improve the quality before feeding it to animals.
AN24191 Accepted 03 October 2025
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