Utilization of sesame meal as protein source in broiler diets
A broiler feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimum replacement value of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) meal for soyabean in maize-soyabean diets. A total of 252 day-old Anak 80 strain broiler-type chicks were used. Three replicate groups of 14 birds each were randomly allotted on six treatment diets containing 0, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40% of sesame meal in the diets. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Results showed that broiler birds fed up to 15% level of sesame meal in diets performed significantly (P<0.05) better than those fed on control diets for all the parameters studied. Feed consumption and feed efficiency values were also significantly lower for birds fed 15% sesame meal diets compared to those on control. However, sesame meal al 30 and 40 percent in diets significantly (P<0.05) depressed growth performance of broiler birds. It was found from this study that, up to 15% sesame meal could be used in maize-soyabean broiler diet without adverse effect on growth parameters.