Sesame oil meal is rich in protein and energy but, due to its low lysine content and high methionine and cysteine contents, it is used as a supplementary source of protein with other oil meals such as soybean meal (Yasothai, 2014). Large differences in the quality and nutritional value of sesame products can be observed (Cheva-Isarakul et al., 1993). Phytates and oxalates are an issue for poultry feeding and can limit the use of sesame oil meal in practice. Amino acid digestibilities are high but processing at excessive temperatures can decrease amino acid levels and availability (Yasothai, 2014).
Sesame oil meal
Broilers
Studies on the use of sesame oil meal in broiler diets tend to conclude that sesame oil meal can be used at moderate levels, usually below 10% (Mamputu et al., 1995; Rahimian et al., 2013; Daghir, 2008). Performance decreased at higher inclusion levels (Mamputu et al., 1995; Rahimian et al., 2013). Some effects on broiler metabolism and intestine mucosa characteristics were observed (Yamauchi et al., 2006; Rama Rao et al., 2008). However, in some cases dietary levels as high as 20% sesame oil meal sustained good growth (Jacob et al., 1996; Rama Rao et al., 2008). Feed intake is generally not affected by sesame oil meal in the diet, suggesting that palatability is not an issue. Adequate values for metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility should be used since local products can vary significantly from those presented in international feed tables (Kang et al., 1999; Yasothai, 2014). Phytase addition improved performance in some cases (Sterling et al., 2001), although this effect was not constant (Rahimian et al., 2013).
The general recommendation is to take great care on feed formulation when using sesame oil meal in broiler diets to avoid inadequacies in amino acids (lysine) and minerals (Ca, P, etc.), which can occur if inappropriate values are used. In these conditions, the use of relatively low levels (5-8% of the diet) should be safe, while higher levels (10-15%) can be tested with high quality sesame oil meal, or if lower growing rates are acceptable.
Layers
In layers, laying performance and feed efficiency were affected by levels of sesame oil meal above 4% of the diet (Mamputu et al., 1995; Cheva-Isarakul et al., 1993). High levels (15-20%) of sesame oil meal led to significantly reduced laying rates, feed efficiency and weight gain (Jacob et al., 1996). Differences between the performances obtained with sesame oil meals of different origins have been observed, possibly due to amino acid content or protein quality (Cheva-Isarakul et al., 1993).
In pullets, the use of sesame oil meal above 5% of the diet led to reduced growth and uniformity in the flock, and delayed initiation of lay (Tangtaweewipat et al., 1992).
Sesame oil meal should be used with care in layers, and only at low levels. In particular attention should be paid to feed formulation, particularly to the amino acid content (lysine).
Quails
In growing Japanese quails, up to 15% sesame oil meal was used in the diet without adverse effects on growth and carcass characteristics (Sina et al., 2014). In laying quails, the use of sesame oil meal decreased egg production and feed efficiency, and is thus not recommended (Tangtaweewipat et al., 1992).
Sesame seeds
Broilers
The use of raw sesame seeds at 5 to 15% in diets for broilers reduced body weight gain and feed efficiency. Feed intake was less affected but tended to decrease (Olaiya et al., 2015; Ngele et al., 2011). Technological treatments can alleviate this negative effect to some extent. Toasting was the most efficient treatment, followed by soaking and boiling (Olaiya et al., 2015). However, even when toasted, sesame seeds led to performance below that obtained from control diets (Jiya et al., 2014; Ngele et al., 2011).
Layers
In layers, the optimal level of soaked sesame seeds in the diet was 3%, which gave an improved laying rate with unchanged feed intake. With more than 6% sesame seeds, egg production and egg weight decreased, leading to a lower egg mass and feed efficiency (Diarra et al., 2008).
Quails
The use of 1 to 2% sesame seeds improved laying rate in quails, without affecting body weight and feed intake. Fertility and hatchability were also improved (Al-Daraji et al., 2010).
Sesame hulls
Broilers
In broilers the use of sesame hulls at up to 10% of the diet, with adequate feed formulation, tended to slightly improve feed intake and growth, with no effect on feed efficiency (Nikolakakis et al., 2014; Mahmoud et al., 2015). In chicks, sesame hulls led to a decrease in growth performance, with a stronger effect at 12% inclusion than at 6 or 8% (Farran et al., 2000).
Layers
Egg production decreased above 14% sesame hulls in the diet. At 7 to 14% sesame hulls inclusion, laying rate slightly decreased but egg weight increased, leading to a constant egg mass and feed efficiency. In all cases, sesame hulls decreased body weight gain in layers (Farran et al., 2000).
