Utilization of Processed Sesame Seed Meal in Guinea Fowl Diets

Background and Objective: Methionine is an essential amino acid for poultry, but its cost and availability can limit its use in diets. This study evaluated the impact of different processing methods on sesame seed meal as a cost-effective methionine source for guinea fowls, addressing a knowledge gap in optimizing alternative feed ingredients. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Health and Production, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Seventy-two mixed-sex guinea fowls were managed intensively and fed four experimental diets containing sesame seed meal processed using three methods: Raw, soaked and roasted. Proximate analysis of the experimental diets was performed and data on performance parameters were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% level of significance with the SAS package. Results: Processing significantly reduced anti-nutritional factors in sesame seed meal without adversely affecting performance. Final growth rates for the treatments were 438.88 g (T1), 472.22 g (T2), 488.89 g (T3) and 461.11 g (T4), while liver weights were 20.57, 23.41, 20.37 and 20.83 g, respectively. Processed sesame seed meals improved performance compared to the control diet, demonstrating their potential as methionine sources without the need for additional supplementation. All processing methods allowed sesame seed meal to be incorporated at a 15% inclusion level without negatively impacting growth or overall performance. Conclusion: Processing methods enhanced sesame seed meal’s suitability as a methionine source for guinea fowls. Incorporating sesame seed meal at 15% in guinea fowl diets is recommended as a cost-effective and nutritionally viable strategy.