Degradation of chicken feathers by Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus.

Keratinase is an extracellular enzyme used for the bio degradation of keratin. Feathers comprise over 90% of proteins the main component being beta keratin, a fibrous insoluble protein containing disulfide bonds. These bonds provide resistant to digestion by the proteases of animals which are the major disposal problem for degradation of feather waste. Keratinase is the enzyme which is used to degrade feather waste and in the production of animal feed, fertilizers. The present study deals with comparison of feather degrading bacteria Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus. The present study screened for the ability to hydrolyse keratin in feather meal broth. Keratinase activity of Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus maximum concentration was 0.932(IU/ml) and 0.628(IU/ml) on 5 days respectively. The percent weight loss of feathers treated were found to be 26% ,68% and 79% at end of 2, 4 and 5 days respectively in Proteus vulgaris compared to Micrococcus luteus.