Dietary inclusion of <i>Cannabis sativa</i> seeds at graded levels modulates growth performance, blood biochemistry, and breast muscle fatty acid composition in broilers

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Cannabis sativa seeds (Beldiya ecotype) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and breast muscle fatty acid composition in Cobb 500 broilers from day 21 to 42. A total of 120 birds were assigned to four diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30 g/100 g cannabis seeds (CS). Growth performance parameters were assessed primarily as indicators of bird response. Body weight was not significantly affected by CS inclusion up to 30 g/100 g, although minor variations were observed during weeks 2 and 3. Feed intake decreased at higher inclusion levels, while feed conversion ratio showed moderate improvement during the early experimental phase. Carcass characteristics and meat quality traits were not influenced by dietary treatments ( p &gt; 0.05). Dietary CS was associated with improved lipid-related parameters, including reduced plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) ( p ≤ 0.05). Breast muscle fatty acid composition was significantly improved ( p ≤ 0.001), with increased proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly ω-3 and ω-6, resulting in a reduced ω-6:ω-3 ratio. Under the present experimental conditions, CS inclusion altered lipid metabolism and improved the fatty acid profile of broiler meat without marked adverse effects on growth performance, confirming its potential as a functional feed ingredient in poultry production.