Screening, Identification, and Optimization of Potent Feather-Degrading Bacterium from Poultry Waste Soil at Tarauni Market Poultry Waste Site in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing global demand for poultry products has led to a significant rise in poultry waste, which poses environmental challenges and health risks. Poultry dumpsites, where feathers and other organic waste accumulate, are hotspots for microbial activity. Among the various components of poultry waste, keratin a fibrous structural protein found in feathers represents a substantial portion that is resistant to degradation due to its complex structure. Current methods of feather waste disposal such as incineration have proved harmful as they contribute to environmental pollution. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to Screen, Identify, and optimize a potent feather-degrading bacterium from poultry waste soil at Tarauni Market Poultry Waste Site in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria using morphological and molecular analysis including one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT). OFAT analysis revealed optimal parameters for both fungal growth and feather degradation, including 48 hours incubation, 3% inoculum size, 39°C temperature, pH 6.5, and 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 purification, characterization and exploring applications of the degradation byproducts.