Effect of Feeding Sesame Oil Cake (Sesamum indicum L.) by Replacing Protein Concentrate Mixture on the Performance of Broilers

Day-old chicks (n= 240), randomly allotted to eight treatment groups in duplicate of fifteen chicks each, were used in the study for 6 weeks. The sesame oil cake was included at different levels viz., 0% (T), 5% (T), 7.5% (T), 10% (T), 12.5% (T), 15% (T), 17.5% (T) and 20% (T) in broiler rations by replacing the protein concentrate mixture. At the end of 6 weeks, there was a linear increase in weight gain as the level of sesame oil cake increased from 0–15% (T₁ to T₆) and the weight gain (P<0.05) and feed efficiency was superior at 15% sesame oil cake inclusion level (1495 g and 1.98) compared to control diet (1379 g and 1.99). The blood profile of broilers fed sesame oil cake revealed a non-significant reduction in total lipids, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and increase in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) content as the level of sesame oil cake increased in the ration. The blood calcium (P<0.05) and phosphorus (P<0.01) content were also significantly reduced as the level of sesame oil cake increased in the ration. The dressing percentage and weight of liver, heart, gizzard, spleen and abdominal fat were not affected in sesame oil cake fed birds. The overall ranking of the taste of the broiler breast meat increased linearly to the level of inclusion of sesame oil cake from 5 to 15% (T₂ to T₆) in the ration. A maximum profit of 32 paise/kg live weight was obtained in broilers fed 17.5% (T₇) sesame oil cake in the ration. Based on the overall performance and cost effectiveness, inclusion of sesame oil cake up to 15% (T₆) level in broiler starter and finisher ration is recommended.