Isolation of Keratinolytic from Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) Farms and Assessment of their Efficacy in Feathers Degradation

Abstract

Keratinolytic microorganisms and their enzymes are associated with poultry feather degradation. In the present study feathers of Gallus gallus domesticus (chicken) and surrounding dry soil was collected from a private poultry sheds located in Jahman village near Lahore. Bacteria were isolated by using enrichment techniques and screened for their proteolytic activity on skim agar. Isolated Bacteria were colonially, morphologically and biochemically characterized and named as SNC1, SNC2, SNC3, SNC4, SCH1, SCH2, SCH3 and SCH4. Results showed closed similarity of bacterial isolates with bacillus species. Effect of various media (LB-broth and Nutrient broth), pHs (7 and 8) and temperatures (4, 37, and 50℃) were recorded on bacterial growth and feather degradation. Bacterial cell densities and amount of keratin produced per gram feather weight were high at temperature 50℃ and pH 8.0. The feather degradation by bacterial isolates was confirmed at different time intervals using stereomicroscopes. The protein analysis of G. gallus domesticus feathers showed protein contents of 3.125g/100 ml. It was concluded high temperature and alkaline pH favored keratin production by bacterial consortia. Moreover, the bacterial isolates used in the current study have the potential to degrade poultry feather waste and extracted keratin is found to be promising for further exploitation of poultry waste.

Molecular characterization of Deciphering Fungal Community structure in Zea mays L. and Triticum Aestivum L

“…Rhizosphere is densely populated in which roots of one plant compete with lower part (root system) of neighboring plant species and with other soil microorganisms for bacterial activity, fungi role and insects interaction with plants for place, moisture availability, mineral intake, nutrients availability [2]. Root exudates may play vital role in transferring of message from one place to other as messengers; they are helpful in communication and initiation of biological (microorganism and insects) and physical interactions or relationship between soil and underground root microorganisms [3] [4]. High number of microorganisms surrounding the plant roots is due to rhizode position, which have 25 percent area below or under the ground with allocated amount of carbon or 10% net fixed carbon [5].…”