Unlocking the Potential: Sesame Meal in Livestock and Poultry Feed

Introduction:

Feeding livestock and poultry is a crucial aspect of animal husbandry. The quest for finding nutritious and sustainable feed ingredients has led to the exploration of various alternatives. One such promising ingredient is sesame meal, a byproduct of sesame oil extraction. With its high nutritional value and versatility, sesame meal has gained recognition as a valuable addition to animal feed. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits and applications of sesame meal in livestock and poultry nutrition.

1 Nutritional Composition:

Sesame meal is derived from sesame seeds, which are rich in essential nutrients. It contains high levels of protein (around 40-50%), making it an excellent source of amino acids necessary for animal growth and development. Additionally, sesame meal is rich in dietary fiber, minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium), vitamins (including vitamin E and B-complex vitamins), and antioxidants, which contribute to the overall health and well-being of animals.

Nutritional Profile of Sesame Meal:

Sesame meal is derived from sesame seeds after the oil extraction process. It offers a diverse range of essential nutrients that contribute to its high nutritional value. The specific composition may vary slightly depending on factors such as seed variety and processing methods. Here is an overview of the typical nutritional profile of sesame meal:

 

 

1. Protein:

Sesame meal is rich in protein, making it a valuable source for livestock and poultry feed. It typically contains around 40-50% protein content, which is comparable to soybean meal. The protein in sesame meal provides essential amino acids necessary for animal growth, muscle development, and overall health.

2. Dietary Fiber:

Sesame meal is also abundant in dietary fiber. The fiber content contributes to improved digestion, gut health, and nutrient absorption. It acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting overall digestive health.

3. Fats and Fatty Acids:

While the fat content of sesame meal is relatively moderate, it contains a notable amount of healthy fats. Sesame meal is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). It also contains omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid, which is beneficial for animals' energy requirements and overall health.

4. Minerals:

Sesame meal is a rich source of minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. These minerals play essential roles in bone development, immune function, enzyme activation, and various metabolic processes.

5. Vitamins:

Sesame meal contains several vitamins that contribute to the overall nutritional value. It is particularly rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports immune function and protects cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, sesame meal provides B-complex vitamins such as thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (B6), which are vital for energy metabolism and nervous system function.

6. Antioxidants:

Sesame meal contains natural antioxidants, including sesamin and sesamolin, which have potential health benefits. These antioxidants help combat free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support overall immune function in animals.

It's worth noting that the nutritional composition of sesame meal can be influenced by factors such as seed quality, processing methods (such as toasting or dehulling), and blending with other feed ingredients. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific analysis of sesame meal from reliable sources to determine its precise nutritional profile for livestock and poultry feed formulation.

Certainly! Here's a table summarizing the typical nutritional profile of sesame meal:

Nutrient	Content (%)
Protein	40-50
Dietary Fiber	Varies
Fats	Moderate
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)	Present
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs)	Present
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	Present
Minerals	Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Iron Zinc
Vitamins:	Vitamin E Thiamin (B1) Niacin (B3) Pyridoxine (B6)
Antioxidants	Present

 

Please note that the exact nutrient content may vary depending on the specific source, processing methods, and other factors. This table provides a general overview of the nutritional composition of sesame meal used in livestock and poultry feed. For precise information, it is recommended to refer to the specific analysis from reliable sources or consult with a nutritionist or animal feed expert.

2. Improved Digestibility and Gut Health:

The inclusion of sesame meal in livestock and poultry feed has been linked to enhanced digestibility. Its high fiber content aids in improving gut health and digestion, promoting better nutrient absorption. The fiber acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of beneficial gut microflora, leading to improved gut integrity and immune function.

3. Protein Supplementation:

Livestock and poultry require adequate protein for muscle development, reproduction, and overall growth. Sesame meal serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein. Its amino acid profile is comparable to that of soybean meal, another widely used protein source in animal feed. By incorporating sesame meal into feed formulations, farmers can reduce their reliance on costly protein sources and diversify their protein options.

4. Energy Source:

Sesame meal is an energy-rich ingredient due to its moderate fat content. The presence of healthy fats, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and omega-6 fatty acids, contributes to energy density. This characteristic makes sesame meal an ideal ingredient for livestock and poultry in need of additional energy, such as high-producing dairy cows or birds during periods of increased energy demands, like molting or cold weather.

5. Palatability and Feed Conversion:

Animals' acceptance of feed is essential for their overall performance. Sesame meal has a favorable taste profile, which makes it highly palatable for livestock and poultry. This palatability, combined with its high nutrient density, helps improve feed intake and enhances feed conversion efficiency. Animals consuming sesame meal-based feed often exhibit better weight gain, increased milk production (in dairy cows), and improved egg production (in poultry).

6. Environmental Sustainability:

Sesame meal contributes to sustainable farming practices by utilizing a byproduct that would otherwise go to waste. It offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional feed ingredients, reducing the demand for resources and minimizing the ecological footprint associated with livestock and poultry production.

Sesame meal is readily available in Pakistan as it is one of the major producers of sesame seeds. The country has a significant sesame cultivation and processing industry, which generates sesame meal as a byproduct during the extraction of sesame oil.

Availability in Pakistan

In Pakistan, you can find sesame meal in various forms, including whole sesame meal (including husk) and partially defatted sesame meal (with some oil content removed). It is commonly sold in bulk quantities or packaged in bags.

Sesame meal can be sourced from local seed crushing mills, agricultural suppliers, or feed ingredient distributors. Some of the major agricultural and feed markets in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad are likely to have sesame meal available.

It is recommended to reach out to local agricultural suppliers, feed mills, or conduct an online search to find specific sources and suppliers of sesame meal in Pakistan. Additionally, connecting with agricultural associations or consulting with livestock and poultry nutrition experts in the region can provide valuable guidance on locating and procuring sesame meal for livestock and poultry feed.

Conclusion:

Sesame meal stands as a valuable ingredient in livestock and poultry feed due to its high nutritional value, versatility, and sustainability. Its inclusion in feed formulations can improve digestibility, gut health, protein supplementation, energy density, palatability, and feed conversion efficiency. As farmers strive to optimize animal nutrition and reduce their environmental impact, sesame meal emerges as a promising solution. By embracing this innovative ingredient, the livestock and poultry industry can promote healthier animals, enhance productivity, and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr Muhammad Faisal Rafique Azad

Animal Nutritionist