Ogunkunle’s Groundbreaking Research Garners National Acclaim

Nathaniel Ogunkunle, a Ph.D. candidate in food science specializing in animal health, is leading groundbreaking research aimed at transforming cattle health through industrial hemp. His pioneering work explores how industrial hemp can reduce stress in cattle, enhancing their overall well-being, productivity, and quality of life.

“Oxidative and heat stress compromises the health and welfare of animals, leading to reduced performance, increased inflammation, and, in severe cases, death,” says Ogunkunle. “Our goal is to use industrial hemp to mitigate these challenges, especially during the summer when heat-induced stress peaks.” 

In the summer of 2022, over 2,000 cattle deaths in the United States were attributed to heat stress. Ogunkunle and his advisor, Dr. Judith Boateng, a professor in food and animal sciences, explored the potential of industrial hemp to mitigate oxidative and heat stress. Their research was conducted at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station at AAMU, a certified hemp research facility. 

Ogunkunle and his team incorporated industrial hemp – a variety of hemp containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – into cattle feed. “Industrial hemp has cannabidiol and some polyphenols that serve as antioxidants, so these compounds were able to improve the animal’s antioxidant system which helps in preventing oxidative stress,” says Ogunkunle.. “Our results found industrial hemp supplementation significantly reduced cortisol levels, boosted antioxidant enzyme activity, and lowered oxidative stress in cattle. These improvements not only enhanced the animals’ welfare but also increased their productivity.”

Additionally, the research emphasized the role of hemp in improving gut health. “A healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimal digestion and overall well-being,” says Boateng. “By enhancing the gut bacteria, hemp-fed cattle could produce higher-quality milk and meat.”

Ogunkunle notes the uniqueness of their approach. “While other universities are researching hemp, we’re the first to use the entire hemp plant rather than its byproducts. This holistic approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of its benefits.”

He also envisions global applications for his work and says it could benefit livestock farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, including his home country of Nigeria. “Incorporating industrial hemp into cattle feed can help farmers reduce economic losses from stress-related cattle deaths, improve animal welfare, and enhance production efficiency,” he explains.

Ogunkunle has presented his research at American Society of Animal Science conferences in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Oklahoma City, and most recently at the 2024 Association for Research Directors symposium in Nashville, Tennessee, and the American Society of Animal Science conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His research has garnered widespread acclaim and the abstract of his study was published in the Journal of Animal Science, further solidifying its scientific significance. 

With a 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, Ogunkunle plans to complete his Ph.D. this semester. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue his research and mentor the next generation of scientists.

“My goal is to conduct impactful research while training students who will carry this work forward,” he shares. “Improving animal health is the ultimate mission, and I see this research as a steppingstone to even greater innovations with hemp and other plant materials.”

(Photo L-R) Ph.D. Food Science Candidate Mariam Yakubu, Ph.D. Food Science Candidate Nathanial Ogunkunle, Academic Advisor and Food and Animal Sciences Professor Dr. Judith Boateng, Ph.D. Food Science Candidate Busarap Manideep