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 a hemp byproduct after the extraction of cannabinoids and, although it is still illegal in the US to do so, it could be used as a feed ingredient for livestock in the future. For legalization to happen, it is essential to assess the effects 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, or methane production but improved nitrogen use efficiency. Data suggested a possible low-grade inflammation and a decrease in liver clearance. Overall, our data suggest SHB to be a safe feedstuff for dairy cows.