Evaluating the benefits of hemp leaves in goat diets: nutrient digestibility, growth performance and histomorphology.

This study investigated the influence of hemp leaves in concentrate diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology in goats. Fifteen Thai native × Boer bucks (BW: 16.28 ± 0.35 kg; 4 ± 0.5months old) were randomly assigned to diets containing 0, 2, or 4% hemp leaves and fed for 150 days. Results showed that feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance were unaffected by dietary hemp (P > 0.05), though goats fed 4% hemp leaves exhibited higher neutral detergent fiber intake. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were similar across all groups at 0 and 3 h postprandial, but goats fed 2% hemp leaves had elevated (P < 0.05) BUN at 6 h postprandial. Diets had no effect on the height, width, number and surface area of rumen papillae (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in villus height, villus width, or crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. However, goats fed 4% hemp leaves displayed a significantly higher jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio, indicating improved intestinal health. These findings suggest that hemp leaves can be included in goat diets without negative effects on performance, while the 4% enhances fiber intake and jejunal morphology.