VALORIZATION OF KERATINOUS WASTES BY AQUAMICROBIUM DEFLUVII FOR THE PRODUCTION OF KERATIN HYDROLYSATE WITH GROWTH PROMOTING EFFECT ON CITRULLUS LANATUS (WATER MELON)

Agro-industrial wastes rich in keratin such as hooves and feather accumulate extensively in the environment. The rapid growth of poultry and animal processing industries has resulted in the generation of significant amounts of keratin rich waste as by-product.The degradation of these agro-industrial residues is difficult due to the presence of densely packed polypeptides which are strongly stabilized by numerous hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This review focuses on the utilization of keratinase produced by Aquamicrobium defluvii to degrade keratin substrates (Cow hoof and chicken feather) and its application in agriculture for sustainable development of the nation's economy. Cow Hoof and chicken feather subrates was compounded with mineral salts and then culture of Acquabacterium defluvii was inoculated in submerged fermentation under ambient temperature. The fermentation product after processing were used as biofertilizer for growing vegetables. Aquamicrobium defluvii remarkably degraded hoof and feather wastes to produce nutrition-rich Hoof hyrolysate and Feather hyrolysate respectively. The product resulting from degradation of keratinaceous substrate by Aquamicrobium defluviiwas use as fertilizers to enhance the growth of crop due to high nitrogen and amino acid constitute.Although,some treatment in water melon experienced minimal fruit yield improvement and occasional fruit rot,signaling the need for optimized formulations and environmental considerations. In conclusion ,Feather Hydrolysates and Hoof hydrolysates hold promise as a sustainable biofertilizer,enhancing soil quality and supporting watermelon cultivation.feather hydrolysate could further enhance nutrient use efficiency and soil health, contributing to sustainable cultivation practices.