Cannabidiol as a Water Additive: Impact on Performance, Egg Quality, Stress Reduction, and Gut Health in Laying Hens*

Health and welfare are great concerns in intensive poultry production. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive hemp compound, has gained attention for its benefits in reducing stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as its role in modulating the endocannabinoid system. Despite growing interest, research on CBD supplementation in poultry remains limited. In this 15-week study, the effects of water-soluble CBD emulsion on performance, egg quality, corticosterone level, and gut morphology in laying hens were evaluated. A total of 180 Lohmann Brown hens were assigned to five groups: control (no water-soluble emulsion of CBD additive), blank (emulsifier), and groups I, II, and III (20, 40, and 80 mg of CBD/kg body weight in water). Feed and water intake, feed conversion ratio, and egg production were recorded. Egg quality and sensory traits were assessed. Corticosterone levels and gut morphology were examined as stress and health indicators. Higher CBD doses (40 and 80 mg/kg) reduced feed intake without affecting other performance parameters. Enhanced yolk color intensity was observed in all groups compared to the control, attributed to the emulsifier. Corticosterone was significantly lower at 20 mg/kg, suggesting stress relief at lower doses. Group I showed the highest villi length and villi height/crypt depth in the jejunum. In conclusion, low-dose CBD may support stress reduction and gut health in hens, whereas higher doses were associated with reduced feed intake and changes in gut morphology. Although CBD shows promise as a functional additive, further studies are required to specify the optimal dosage and investigate long-term influences on the welfare and productivity of laying hens.