Study: Cannabis Seed Feed Boosts Chicken Nutrition Without Impacting Growth

According to a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science, adding cannabis seeds to poultry feed can improve the nutritional quality of chicken meat without negatively impacting overall growth.

The study, conducted by researchers from University Mohammed First, University Chouaib Doukkali, and the Royal Institute of Livestock Fouarat, examined the effects of Cannabis sativa seeds on Cobb500 broiler chickens over a three-week period, from day 21 to 42. A total of 120 birds were divided into four groups and fed diets containing 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% cannabis seeds.

Researchers found that body weight remained largely unchanged across all groups, indicating that cannabis seed inclusion—even at higher levels—did not significantly impact growth performance. While feed intake declined slightly at higher doses, feed conversion efficiency showed modest improvement early in the trial.

Importantly, carcass traits and overall meat quality were not affected by the dietary changes. However, notable improvements were observed in key health-related markers. Chickens fed cannabis seeds had lower levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), all of which are associated with cardiovascular risk.

The fatty acid profile of the chickens’ breast meat also improved significantly. Birds receiving cannabis seed-enriched diets showed higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including both omega-3 and omega-6. This resulted in a more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, a key indicator of nutritional quality in meat.

Researchers conclude that cannabis seeds may serve as a functional feed ingredient, capable of enhancing lipid metabolism and improving meat composition without introducing adverse effects on growth. The findings add to a growing body of research explorin