Study: Long-Acting Injectable CBD Shows Weeks-Long Presence in Calves, Suggesting Possible Use for Painful Farm Procedures

Calves (photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto).

The study, published in the Journal of Dairy Science and conducted by researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Agriculture Research Organization Volcani Institute, examined the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of subcutaneous liposomal synthetic CBD in six Holstein female neonatal calves. According to the study, the animals received one injection of liposomal CBD at 5 mg/kg. Blood samples collected over six weeks showed that CBD remained detectable for a median of 4.5 weeks. The median peak plasma concentration reached 44.1 ng/mL roughly one day after dosing, with a median half-life of 5.3 days. The primary CBD metabolite, 7-carboxy-CBD, displayed significantly higher exposure levels, exceeding CBD itself by 9-fold based on the area under the curve.

The treatment appeared generally well-tolerated. Researchers observed a short-term rise in neutrophil counts two days after dosing, while serum amyloid A levels decreased following injection. The main adverse reaction was localized swelling at the injection site, which resolved without intervention.

By maintaining steady CBD levels for several weeks, the injectable formulation suggests a possible alternative for long-term analgesia during procedures such as disbudding and castration, both of which are common sources of pain in young cattle.

The authors note that further research is needed to determine how effective the approach may be for reducing discomfort and improving animal welfare.