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Keratinases are the enzymes which hydrolyze keratin. Feathers contain β-keratin which comprises over
90% of feather protein. β-keratin is fibrous and insoluble structural protein extensively cross linked by
disulfide bonds. Keratin is a rich source of cystine, and thiosulphate.Bacterial keratinase could be used to
degrade feather waste and the digested product could be an excellent material for producing animal feed
fertilizer .The present study screened for the hydrolysis of feather keratin by Bacillus spp. isolated from
poultry farms.
Fifteen keratinolytic Bacterial spp.were isolated from poultry farm located at Vita region in Sangli Dist.
in Maharashtra. Among them five isolates showed maximum keratinolytic activity towards chicken
feathers as a substrate. The degradation of chicken feathers was assessed by determining protein released
(μg/ml),and weight loss(%).The maximum protein released into the medium from feather degradation
under shaking condition was 94.1μg/ml in 18 days.and maximum weight loss of feathers under shaking
condition was 60% The feathers were turned into brownish powder like mass in 18 days.It was found that
complete degradation of feathers by Bacillus spp requires eighteen days. under shaking condition.The
enzyme activity of keratinase was studied by assay and found to be 276U/ml.In this present study we
report the potent keratinolytic Bacillus spp which showed 60% degradation of chicken feathers.
Keywords: Bacterial spp., keratinolytic activity, Feathers, Poultry farms.