Picketberg pilot project paves the way to retail shelves

Western Cape consumers will soon be able to buy eggs laid by hemp-fed poultry after a breakthrough pilot project involving the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) and a Piketberg chicken farmer. The tests were carried out on the farm of Piet Uys, comparing the results of lay hens fed with standard feed to those receiving hemp-based feed. The tests concluded that the eggs from hemp-fed hens were heavier in weight with an increased fatty acid content compared to the standard eggs.

The project came about when Prof Benny de Beer of CBD Full Spectrum contacted the CRI to develop a nutritional feed from hemp for a commercial egg producer in South Africa.  Hemp is a source of protein, iron, magnesium, and manganese, with high levels of dietary fibre and essential amino acids. The main cannabinoid in hemp is cannabidiol (CBD), a well-known active with therapeutic properties. Many parts of the hemp plant are suitable for animal use, including leaves, seeds, and hemp seed oil cake.

The production of hemp-based poultry feed will now be a collaboration between the CRI, Afriplex and CBD Full Spectrum and comes hot on the heels of Afriplex’s recent announcement of a bold hemp strategy to position itself in the middle of the cannabis value chain.

Hemp for poultry opens up a new market for farmers

Afriplex CEO Danie Nel told Cannabiz Africa on 3 May 2022: “We welcome the work being done in the field of nutritional feed derived from hemp for poultry, we will integrate this in our approach of developing full chain value from hemp. Hemp products have value as nutritious ingredients in human and animal food markets and could provide hemp cultivators access to additional revenue streams”.

CBD Full Spectrum’s Prof de Beer said he looked forward to the collaboration: “the CRI is known for innovative research in the field of hemp and has shown a good understanding of the industry need for sustainable manufacturing practices”.

For more information contact info@cannabisresearchinstitute.co.za