Hemp Seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) in Cattle Nutrition: Effects on Beef Fatty Acid, Vitamin, and Mineral Profiles

The study aimed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with whole hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) on the nutritional value and health-promoting properties of beef, including the fatty acid profile and the content of vitamins and minerals in muscles. Twenty-four young Holstein–Friesian (HF) bulls were allocated to three feeding groups: a control group (CG) and experimental groups receiving concentrate supplemented with 10% (HS–10) or 17% (HS–17) whole hemp seeds. The concentrations of fatty acids, retinol, α-tocopherol, and selected macronutrients and micronutrients were determined in the longissimus lumborum and semimembranosus muscles. Dietary supplementation with whole hemp seeds increased the concentrations of zinc, magnesium, iron, retinol, and α-tocopherol in muscle tissue, and modified the fatty acid profile by decreasing the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and the PUFA/SFA ratio. However, it did not increase the concentrations of long-chain n-3 PUFAs. The values of most parameters improved in response to 10% hemp seeds, whereas increasing their inclusion level to 17% did not result in any further improvement. Whole hemp seeds can be a valuable component of beef cattle diets, enhancing selected quality attributes and the nutritional value of beef.