Characterization of the chemical composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles of underutilized poultry feathers

Abstract

Poultry is one of the leading subsectors of animal husbandry. However, despite its socioeconomic importance, it is considered a significant contributor to environmental problems through its waste production, including feathers. Feathers are protective layers that make up the typical outer wrapping. It can be found on feathery and in some non-feathery winged creatures. In this context, this research was conducted to determine the proximate, mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid profile in poultry feathers. The proximate analysis revealed the values of ash (1.40%), moisture (6.30%), crude fiber (9.20%), protein (67.50%), crude fat (2.90%), and carbohydrate (12.70%). The mineral elements (ppm) indicated sodium (0.04), magnesium (0.03), potassium (0.04), calcium (0.06), phosphorus (0.05), manganese (0.01), iron (0.01), and zinc (0.01). The amino acid profile showed that it contained sixteen amino acids which includes important amino acids most especially all the essential amino acids except lysine. In contrast, the fatty acid profile revealed that it contained twelve fatty acids. Among these, it includes basic saturated fatty acids such as glycine and rich in unsaturated fatty acid contents. The finding indicates that poultry feathers can contribute useful nutrients, mineral elements, fatty acids, and amino acids to livestock feed for maximum utilization and rapid development, making it a good potential and sustainable material from waste to wealth.