Biodegradability traits of Bacillus subtilis and Fusarium sp. on composting of different nonconventional protein source

Abstract

Biodegradation of livestock processing waste is one of the more cost-effective, ecologically safe recycling methods that
may preserve nutritional content and key amino acids useful in animal feed production. Here, we determined the
biodegrading potentials of nonconventional feedstuffs using a combination of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and fungi
(Fusarium sp.). Five nonconventional feed types (feather meal, hair waste, egg membranes, horn hoof and horn) were
selected and replicated in a 10 L plastic biocomposter for 7 weeks and observed for degradation by measuring changes in
total organic carbon, temperature, phosphorus, potassium, pH, microbial counts and rate of degradation. Bacteria and fungi
were inoculated inside the substrate after isolation and incubation. The effects of physicochemical and microbial counts
were assessed. The biodegradability and optimal activity were observed. From the results, physico-parameters measured
during the 7 weeks showed significant differences (P <0.05) between substrates. The highest rate of decomposition,
temperature, pH levels, total organic carbon, and total bacteria counts were recorded in feather meal, egg membrane, and
hair waste. The weekly study showed that feather meal (68.79%, decompose faster than cow hoof (18.72%) egg membrane
(60.89%) hair waste (62.82%) and cow horn (32.31%) during bio-composting. This finding has potential application in the
treatment process of keratin wastes.