Quality assessment of edible oil and animal feed from seeds of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) grown in Nigeria

Abstract

This study focuses on the extraction, characterization and quality assessment of sesame seeds for edible oil production, and the conversion of sesame waste into a nutritious animal feed supplement. The study analyzed the proximate composition of sesame seeds and waste, as well as their crude fibre, fat, protein, ash, moisture, and carbohydrates, the presence and levels of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc and iron, the levels of heavy metals (Arsenic, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Iron) as critical steps in ensuring their suitability for human and animal feed. Prescribed analytical procedures were employed to determine the physiochemical properties and mineral content of the sesame oil and waste, including: Soxhlet extraction for oil extraction, Kjeldahl method for protein analysis, gravimetric method for moisture and ash content determination. Inductively Coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy for mineral and heavy metal analysis. The results showed that the proximate analysis of the sesame seeds contains 57.5% oil, 20.58% carbohydrates, and 3.194% moisture, making them suitable for edible oil. Sesame waste was found to contain 36.87% protein, 9.6% crude fiber, and 10.25% oil, indicating its potential as animal feed supplement. Heavy metal analysis detected Fe and Cu at concentrations of 0.0120 mg/L and 0.0075 mg/L respectively, while other metals were below the limit of detection (>0.001 mg/L). The results revealed that sesame seeds and its oil can be used as an alternative supplement of protein and minerals. The sesame waste is a good source of essential mineral which are vital for healthy digestion, animal growth and development. These findings highlight the nutritional value of sesame seeds and waste for various applications.