By Babatunde Jimoh

Nathaniel Ogunkunle, a distinguished animal scientist and researcher at Alabama A&M University, has spearheaded innovative research into the health benefits of supplementing cattle feed with industrial hemp.

With an academic foundation in agriculture and animal science, Nathaniel obtained his Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production and Health from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Master’s in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan. He joined Alabama A&M University in the United States as a research assistant during his doctoral program in Animal Health, where his work has gained widespread recognition. 

Industrial hemp, defined as hemp containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), offers remarkable health benefits through its rich profile of secondary plant metabolites called phytochemicals. These include cannabinoid compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN), alongside non-cannabinoid compounds like catechin, pinene, apigenin, and luteolin. These bioactive compounds are known for their antioxidant properties, effectively scavenging free radicals by donating hydroxyl groups to neutralize these reactive species, transforming them into stable, non-toxic forms. 

Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the capacity of its detoxification systems, leading to cellular and tissue damage. This condition adversely affects critical physiological processes, including DNA integrity, lipid metabolism, and cellular health. In livestock, oxidative stress often remains undetected, resulting in decreased immunity, increased inflammation, metabolic disorders, and reduced growth and reproductive performance. Damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart exacerbates these challenges, impairing their functions and redirecting energy and nutrients away from growth and production toward repairing damaged tissues. The economic implications of oxidative stress in animal production are profound, reducing efficiency and profitability for farmers. However, the antioxidant properties of industrial hemp can mitigate these challenges by neutralizing ROS, enabling cattle to allocate energy more effectively toward growth and production rather than recovery from oxidative damage. 

Nathaniel conducted his groundbreaking research at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station at Alabama A&M University. His study explored the impact of supplementing beef cattle diets with industrial hemp and revealed significant improvements in the animals’ antioxidant status. The findings demonstrated that phytochemicals in hemp upregulated the expression of antioxidant genes, leading to enhanced production of critical antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes play a pivotal role in neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. Additionally, the study recorded lower levels of malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation) in hemp-fed cattle, indicating reduced cellular damage. Beyond antioxidant benefits, the research highlighted improvements in cattle welfare, with hemp-fed animals exhibiting calmer behavior, reduced stress biomarkers such as cortisol and heat shock proteins, and overall enhanced productivity. These findings underscore the potential of industrial hemp to improve livestock health and welfare sustainably. 

Nathaniel presented his findings at prestigious conferences, including the Association for Research Directors symposium in April 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, and the American Society for Animal Science conference in July 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His research garnered widespread acclaim for its practical applications in livestock management and its contributions to advancing animal science. The abstract of his study was published in the Journal of Animal Science, further solidifying its scientific significance. 

The implications of Nathaniel’s research extend beyond the United States, offering transformative potential for sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria. Incorporating industrial hemp into cattle feed could reduce economic losses associated with oxidative stress, enhance animal welfare, and boost production efficiency, paving the way for profitable and sustainable livestock farming. Nathaniel Ogunkunle’s innovative research underscores the critical role of nature’s resources in addressing global challenges in animal health and sustainability. By bridging the gap between science and practical application, his work continues to advance the field of animal science, fostering healthier livestock and a more sustainable agricultural future.