Isolation and Identification of Keratin Degrading Bacteria from Janguza Poultry Waste Site and Optimization of its Growth and Substrate Degradation conditions

Abstract

Chicken feathers are largely produced as waste product from domestic and poultry processing industries. Waste feathers are discarded into the environment without any effort to recycle. The rising accumulation of poultry waste, especially keratin-rich feathers, poses significant environmental and public health concerns. Current methods of feather waste disposal have proved harmful as they contribute to environmental pollution. To address these environmental and health concerns, this study isolated a potent feather-degrading bacterium from Janguza poultry waste soil and identified it as Bacillus cereus through morphological, biochemical, and molecular analysis. The study further investigated the optimal conditions for bacterial growth and feather degradation using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT). OFAT analysis revealed optimal parameters for both bacterial growth and degradation, including 48 hours incubation, 3% inoculum size, 39°C temperature, pH 6.5, 150 g/L feather concentration.

These findings highlight the potential of Bacillus cereus for a more sustainable and eco-friendly feather waste management. Further research should focus on enzyme characterization, scale-up, and exploring applications of the degradation byproducts.

Keywords: Keratinase, Bacillus cereus, Poultry waste, Biodegradation, One-factor at a time