Synthesis of feather concentrate from broiler feather waste using different chemical hydrolysis process and effect on its properties

Abstract

Feather waste, a resultant of livestock industry, has annually increased, but its existence has not been optimally utilized. Production of feather concentrate (Fc) is regarded a beneficial application to minimze the waste. The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of NaOH and HCl as a hydrolyzing agent in Fc preparation. The results showed that microstructural changes occurred in filament molecules in keratin protein as exhibited in T0 and T1 treatments. Keratin molecules underwent denaturation and degradation, resulting in molecular changes of their structure. After hydrolysis reaction, in-vitro protein digestibility was increased and the highest digestibility value was achieved at T1 treatment (21.76%). The treatments showed no significant effects on Fc yield compared to the control, with exception of T3 treatment. Yield could indicate the preparation efficiency, in which the value seemed to decrease a result of denaturation. The relative protein content was not different from the control (T0) especially on the T1 and T2 treatments showed no significant effects on relative protein content compared to control T0. The highest pH of product (9.76) was attributed to T1 treatment using NaOH, while the lowest pH was found at HCl. Different types of hydrolysis process showed significant effects (p<0.05) on in-vitro digestibility of protein, yield and protein content. Application of NaOH (T1) is the best treatment compared to T2, T3 and T0.