*A. M. Akanji -  Department of Animal Production, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ayetoro Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria

O. E. Fasina -  Department of Animal Production, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ayetoro Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of raw benne seed (RBS, Sesamum indicum) with or without lysine supplementation on the performance characteristics and mineral retention of broiler chickens. The feeding trial lasted for 56 days. One hundred and forty unsexed day old  broiler chicks (Marshall strain) were used for the study. RBS was incorporated into the diets at 15% and 30% levels and  supplemented with  0%, 0.25% and 0.5% of lysine, respectively. Average  weekly feed intake in birds fed the control diet and 15% RBS based diet supplemented with 0.25 % and 0.5% lysine were not significantly different, but significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed other diets. Feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in birds fed 30% RBS with or without lysine supplementation. At 0.25% and 0.5% lysine supplementation, significant (P<0.05) increases were obtained in the retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and iron in birds fed 15% RBS based diets, but markedly reduced in those fed 30% RBS  based diets. The reductions in the performance characteristics of the birds fed 30% RBS diets with or without lysine can be attributed to interactions in the toxic effects of the higher intakes anti-nutritional factors like tannin, oxalate and phytate.  In conclusion,  the response indices were better enhanced when 15% RBS supplemented with 0.5% lysine was fed to the birds.

benne seeds; lysine supplementation; utilization