Evaluating the Efficacy and Sustainability of Hemp Seed Meal as an Alternative Feed Ingredient for Pastured Laying Hens

Commodities

Practices

Two critical challenges intersect in Michigan agriculture: hemp
producers lack viable markets, while organic egg producers face
rising feed costs and heavy reliance on imported ingredients.

Michigan hemp farmers, including Wind and Tide Farm, have
demonstrated the viability of hemp grain production state-wide,
but struggle to find reliable markets for their crop. Without
established markets, this promising multipurpose crop remains
economically unfeasible for many farmers.

Meanwhile, organic egg producers in many parts of the state
depend depend heavily on expensive imported feed ingredients,
particularly organic soybeans. Local alternatives could reduce
costs and improve sustainability, but require thorough research
to validate their effectiveness. Hemp seed meal, a byproduct of
oil pressing, shows promise as a feed ingredient based on its
protein content and beneficial fatty acid profile.

While recent European research demonstrates benefits of hemp
seeds in poultry feed, practical data on using domestically
produced hemp seed meal in organic egg production systems is
lacking. Farmers need real-world evidence of its effects on egg
production, quality metrics, and economic viability before
adopting this alternative. Our project addresses this knowledge
gap through controlled on-farm research comparing standard
organic feed with hemp seed cake supplementation

Solution: This research project will evaluate pressed hemp seed meal (HSM) as a sustainable, locally sourced feed ingredient for pastured laying hens through a controlled comparison study. The project emphasizes circular agriculture, regional climate/economic resilience, and local food sovereignty.

Experimental Design: We will establish six groups of 10 pastured laying hens each at Dancing Crane Farm:

• 3 Control Groups: Standard organic layer feed (corn/soy based)
• 3 Test Groups: Standard organic layer feed modified by supplier to match macro nutritional values after a 15% HSM substitution

Housing and Management: all groups will be housed in separate halves of three identical 10'x10' Gothic-style moveable hoophouse enclosures with blackout plastic for shading on top, clear poly ends, and scissor-style end ventilation. Each enclosure will provide 5 square feet per bird of enclosed space with free access to a 40'x50' pasture area seeded with a pasture mix and enclosed with chicken wire

Feed Allocation, Production, and Processing: Each mature layer will be allocated a daily ration of 4 ounces of feed. Feed will be removed at day's end, weighed, and the surplus recorded. HSM-modified feed mix will be mixed weekly in 50lb batches with 15% composed of pressed seed meal and the other 85% modified organic layer feed. Wind and Tide Farm will cold-press, grind, outsource quality analysis for protein, fat and cannabinoid concentrations, and deliver HSM. It will be stored in a cool area away from sunlight.

Data Collection Protocol:

1. Production Metrics (Daily)
   • Egg collection and counting per group
   • Feed consumption monitoring
   • Flock health observations
   • Temperature and weather conditions
2. Quality Analysis: To be carried out at 0 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
   • Random sampling of 10 eggs per group
   • Weight measurements
   • Yolk color scoring using a standardized color fan
   • Shell strength testing using a digital force gauge
   • Laboratory analysis of fatty acid profiles
   • Laboratory analysis of the nutritional and cannabinoid profile of hemp seed meal (1 test at 0 weeks, 1 test at 8 weeks)

Objectives:

1. Determine the effect of 15% hemp seed meal feed substitution on:
   • Weekly feed consumption rates
   • Egg production quantity
   • Key quality metrics (shell strength, yolk color, weight)
   • Fatty acid profiles and nutritional content through lab analysis
2. Establish protocols for:
   • Hemp seed meal storage and handling
   • Optimal feed mixing ratios
3. Document the economic feasibility by:
   • Tracking production costs
   • Analyzing the potential premium market value of:
     
     • HSM-supplemented eggs
     • hemp seed oil and HSM vs. hulled hemp seed
   • Calculating feed cost differences
4. Share findings through
   
   • Written protocols for farmers
   • On-farm tours
   • Local farming conference