Effects of stevia (stevia rebaudiana) and hemp by-products (cannabis sativa) on milk yield, fatty acid profile, and oxidative stability in dairy cows.

This experiment assessed the effects of adding hemp (seeds or hay) and stevia by-products to dairy cow diets on milk yield and on the fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of the milk. Additional analyses included composition, total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of milk samples as well as blood serum parameters. Thirty-five Holstein dairy cows were involved for 60 days, divided into five groups: control, hemp seed, hemp hay, stevia and a combination of hemp seeds and stevia leaves. No significant changes were observed in milk yield or composition. While monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content did not differ significantly between control and experimental diets, milk from cows fed hemp seeds had higher MUFA compared to those fed hemp hay. Further research is recommended to determine the optimal proportion of these by-products in cow diets.