HempMy Pet and Tarleton University, a member of the Texas A&M University System, announced in an organizational release1 the positive results of their Cannabidiol (CBD) equine study focused on transportation stress.
HempMy Pet, a CBD product company for dogs, cats and horses, stated that the goal of the research program was to explore the opportunities that full-spectrum CBD oil can provide to the livestock industry as tool to mediate stressors, minimize injuries during transport and handling and promotes health by minimizing overstimulation of the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands, commonly called the HPA axis.1
HempMy Pet and Tarleton University reported that higher doses of CBD (0.6 mg/kg body weight) are more effective overall compared to lower doses of CBD (0.3 mg/kg body weight body). At both doses, CBD was undetectable after 24 hours, with the highest blood concentration levels at 4 hours after administration.
According to the study, no difference was observed in the effects of CBD in male and female horses, but there was an increase in feeding times at both the low and the highest doses of CBD. The higher dose was seen to have a significantly longer feeding time compared to the lower dose.
The research showed that there was a decrease in cortisol levels in the transport part of the study and that there were no lasting effects of CBD at both low and high doses.1
Kimberly Guay, PhD, PAS of Tarleton University stated in the release, “My research goals are to conduct as many projects as necessary to better understand the physiological and behavioral responses of animals when consuming CBD and hemp processing byproducts , such as hemp flour. It is important to recognize the differences between these products in order to classify and use them safely and usefully. There is still much work to be done and we will continue to fill in the blanks about these products in our animals”. 1
The stress of transportation can sometimes affect a horse’s behavior, including weight gain, feed efficiency, and excessive aggression.
Natalie Mondine, co-founder and COO of HempMy Pet, said in the statement, “This is our second clinical trial study overall, but it is our first study in horses and we are very pleased with the results. The University of Tarleton to collaborate on a study was very exciting for us, as it shows that interest in the therapeutic benefits of hemp are valid and have a real future in medicine.”
“If we look at the science and data behind all the research that has been done to date, it is impossible to ignore that CBD and hemp derivatives have an overwhelmingly positive effect on a myriad of health issues and are a real alternative to pharmaceutical products”. 1
reference
CBD study shows reduced stress in animals during transport. News release. HempMy pet. Published July 28, 2022. Accessed July 29, 2022.