Recent advances in sunflower seed meal as an alternate source of protein in broilers

Broiler production in certain countries often suffers from an inadequate supply of local high-quality protein. Increased production of sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) for oil can provide more meal that can provide protein and offset the need for soybean meal, which is often unavailable due to cost. Presently, due to adaptive capabilities in various climatic and soil conditions, sunflower seeds are grown worldwide. Sunflower seed meal (SFSM), a by-product from oil production for human consumption, varies in quality due to variations in oil extraction methods, seed varieties and processing techniques. However, investigators reported that SFSM can replace up to two thirds of the soybean meal protein in the starter and finisher diets of broilers. This review includes the quality of SFSM as related to the effect of processing and as a feed ingredient in broilers diets.