Sustainable Management of Agricultural Waste: Focus on Poultry Waste and Feathers

The poultry industry generates vast amounts of waste, including feathers and litter, which pose significant environmental and health hazards. This study focused on isolating, identifying, and characterizing keratinolytic bacteria from poultry waste with the aim of understanding their potential for waste degradation. Soil samples were collected from various poultry farms in Rajasthan, India, and bacteria were isolated using standard microbiological techniques. Morphological, biochemical, and physiological analyses were performed to characterize the isolated bacteria, and molecular characterization was conducted on selected isolates. A total of 41 bacterial isolates were obtained, and screening for keratinolytic activity revealed promising candidates for further study. These isolates were classified into three groups based on physiological characteristics. Additionally, molecular analysis confirmed the presence of keratinolytic bacteria, including Xanthomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis. The study found that these bacteria possess keratinolytic activity, making them potential candidates for various industrial applications. Physiological characterization revealed optimal conditions for bacterial growth and keratinolytic activity, with pH and temperature affecting enzyme activity. Furthermore, the study highlighted the potential of these bacteria in biotechnological applications, including the degradation of feather waste for the production of valuable products such as animal feed protein and fertilizers. Overall, the findings suggest that keratinolytic bacteria isolated from poultry waste hold promise for environmentally friendly waste management practices and could contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for poultry waste disposal.