Murray State University

Presenter Information

Madilyn AdamchikFollow

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Animal Tech/Animal/Equine

KY House District #

4

KY Senate District #

11

Department

Animal/Equine Science

Abstract

Research about supplemental feeding of cannabidiol (CBD) to horses is still in its early stages, but owners are feeding CBD to relieve pain and calm behavioral issues. Cannabinoids work through the endocannabinoid system to modulate nervous and hormonal actions in the body. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of single dose versus long-term feeding of a pelleted CBD supplement. In Project 1, eighteen Quarter Horse geldings were given a single dose of 50 mg (n=6), 100 mg (n=6), or 250 mg (n=6) of pelleted CBD. Blood samples were collected before treatment (0 hrs), and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 12 hrs post treatment. The highest concentration of CBD in the blood was seen in the 250 mg group at 4 hrs post-treatment. The highest concentration of the metabolite 7-COOH CBD was again seen in the 250 mg group at 4 hrs post-treatment. However, both CBD and 7-COOH CBD concentrations appeared to still be rising at 12 hrs in the 50 mg group. Project 2 utilized 24 horses (12 CON and 12 TRT), where TRT horses were fed 100 mg of CBD once a day for 8 weeks (wks). Blood samples were collected pre-treatment (0), and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 wks. The highest CBD concentrations were seen at 2 wks, but concentrations decreased at 4 wks before increasing again at 6 wks and remaining elevated at 8 wks. Results from these projects agree with some publications but differ from others, though no negative side effects were noted in any horse. More research is needed to better understand CBD metabolism and its effect in horses.

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Pharmacokinetics of CBD Supplementation in Horses: Single Dose vs. Long-Term Feeding

Research about supplemental feeding of cannabidiol (CBD) to horses is still in its early stages, but owners are feeding CBD to relieve pain and calm behavioral issues. Cannabinoids work through the endocannabinoid system to modulate nervous and hormonal actions in the body. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of single dose versus long-term feeding of a pelleted CBD supplement. In Project 1, eighteen Quarter Horse geldings were given a single dose of 50 mg (n=6), 100 mg (n=6), or 250 mg (n=6) of pelleted CBD. Blood samples were collected before treatment (0 hrs), and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 12 hrs post treatment. The highest concentration of CBD in the blood was seen in the 250 mg group at 4 hrs post-treatment. The highest concentration of the metabolite 7-COOH CBD was again seen in the 250 mg group at 4 hrs post-treatment. However, both CBD and 7-COOH CBD concentrations appeared to still be rising at 12 hrs in the 50 mg group. Project 2 utilized 24 horses (12 CON and 12 TRT), where TRT horses were fed 100 mg of CBD once a day for 8 weeks (wks). Blood samples were collected pre-treatment (0), and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 wks. The highest CBD concentrations were seen at 2 wks, but concentrations decreased at 4 wks before increasing again at 6 wks and remaining elevated at 8 wks. Results from these projects agree with some publications but differ from others, though no negative side effects were noted in any horse. More research is needed to better understand CBD metabolism and its effect in horses.

 

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