Impact Of Temperature And Ph On Degradation Of Poultry Feather Wastes Throuh Keratinolytic Fungi

Abstract

     Feathers are produced in large amount as a waste by- product from poultry industry. Millions of tons of feathers are produced annually worldwide. Keratinolytic fungi have a great importance in poultry waste degradation and bioconversion to fertilizers, feedstuffs. The aim of this study was to focus on the feather degrading ability of C. keratinophilum and M. gypseum in different temperature and pH. Various temperature regimes of 18⁰c, 28⁰c, 38⁰c, 42⁰c were used to determine the temperature effect on feather weight loss. These fungi showed their maximum keratinolytic ability at 28 ⁰c. Maximum weight loss was obtained at 28⁰c. These fungi were also cultured on 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 pH regimes. The keratin degrading ability was found somewhat better towards alkalinity than the acidic condition. The great ability of selected keratinolytic fungi to degrade feathers can be utilized for their potential biotechnological application in processing of feather waste from poultry industry.

KEYWORDS: Keratinolytic fungi, feather, keratin, poultry waste, keratinolytic ability.