Description:FIELD OF INVENTION:

The invention depicts the conversion of chicken feathers and poultry waste into poultry compost through the use of bacterial strains, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, with keratinase enzyme production capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
The poultry industry, a vital component of the global food supply chain, has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, resulting in increased production of poultry waste, including chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste. While poultry products meet the rising demand for protein, the by-products generated pose significant challenges in terms of disposal and environmental impact. Traditional methods of feather waste disposal, such as burning, incineration, and landfilling, not only contribute to environmental pollution but also incur substantial operating costs and energy consumption.

Feathers, primarily composed of keratin protein, exhibit remarkable resistance to degradation due to their complex structure, characterized by disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Improper disposal of poultry waste leads to long-term environmental persistence, causing soil, water, and air pollution. The need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to manage this burgeoning waste stream has become increasingly evident.

The current invention addresses the environmental and economic challenges associated with untreated poultry waste. By focusing on the conversion of chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste into poultry compost, the method leverages the capabilities of Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, a bacterial strain known for producing the keratinase enzyme. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in breaking down the resilient keratin structure, facilitating the transformation of poultry waste into a valuable compost product.

The traditional methods of feather waste disposal, including burning and incineration, have been criticized for their adverse environmental implications. Not only do these methods contribute to air pollution, but they also entail high operating costs and energy consumption. Landfilling, another common practice, poses the risk of soil and groundwater contamination, exacerbating the environmental footprint of poultry waste disposal.

In contrast, the proposed invention introduces a novel approach that not only addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies but also transforms poultry waste into a resource—poultry compost. The composting process, facilitated by the keratinase-producing Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, results in a dark, crumbly material resembling soil, indicating the successful decomposition of the feather-rich poultry waste.

Physicochemical analysis of the poultry compost provides a comprehensive understanding of its properties, including particle size, color, moisture content, pH, and nutrient composition. This thorough assessment ensures the suitability of the poultry compost as an organic fertilizer, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers that have been known to degrade soil quality and contribute to environmental degradation.

The invention not only presents a sustainable waste management solution but also contributes to the broader goal of promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By encouraging the use of poultry compost as a valuable source of organic fertilizers, the invention aims to reduce the environmental impact of poultry waste while enhancing soil health and supporting sustainable crop production. The following detailed description and claims provide further insights into the innovative features and potential applications of this poultry waste conversion process.

Prior Arts:
Patent Literature:
1. CN111205121A discloses The invention discloses a microbial treatment method for slaughter house sludge and excrement, which comprises the following steps: (1) uniformly mixing 30-40 parts of slaughterhouse sludge, 30-40 parts of animal wastes, 10-20 parts of plant ash, 5-10 parts of beet pulp, 10-15 parts of bran, 20-30 parts of straw particle powder and 3-5 parts of compound bacterial liquid according to the following weight parts to obtain a mixture to be fermented; (2) composting the mixture to be fermented, covering a layer of the organic fertilizer prepared by the invention with the thickness of 2-3cm on the surface of the compost, and naturally fermenting for 10-15 days; then drying and crushing to obtain the organic fertilizer. The microbial treatment method for the slaughterhouse sludge and the excrement has the advantages of no generation of odor gas, high fermentation efficiency, capability of fully decomposing organic matters, large fat chains and protein chains in the sludge, improvement of fertility and fermentation to obtain the organic fertilizer, wherein the content of organic carbon nutrients is more than 3.5%.

2. CN112225419B discloses invention provides a method for recycling livestock and poultry manure, and belongs to the technical field of waste treatment and disposal. The method for resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure provided by the invention comprises the following steps: (1) mixing the livestock and poultry manure with sulfuric acid to obtain mixed feed liquid; (2) carrying out hydrothermal carbonization treatment on the mixed material liquid, and then carrying out solid-liquid separation on the obtained product system to obtain a hydrothermal liquid and a solid carbonized product; (3) mixing the hydrothermal solution with lime water to obtain a liquid containing a bactericide component; mixing the solid carbonized product with a potassium hydroxide solution to obtain a mixed material with the pH value of 6.0-8.0, and drying the mixed material to be used as a soil conditioner; or mixing the mixed material with livestock and poultry manure and urea, and then performing composting fermentation to obtain the carbon-based organic fertilizer. The method provided by the invention can realize harmless and quantitative reduction treatment of the whole process of the livestock and poultry manure, and can realize the resource utilization of the whole elements of the livestock and poultry manure.

Prior Non-Patent Literature:
1) Title: Scope of Poultry Waste Utilization D.Thyagarajan1 , M.Barathi2 , R.Sakthivadivu3 1. Director of Distance Education, TANUVAS 2. Senior Research Fellow, TANUVAS 3. Assistant professor, TANUVAS
Abstract: Poultry farming wastes containing excreta, bedding material, waste feed, dead birds, broken eggs, feathers and offal could emerge into major environmental pollutants. Proven technology and disposal methods are necessary to mitigate their threat on the environment. The major wastes like poultry feathers, offal and litter have different field applications. Poultry feathers being rich sources of keratin proteins and amino acids, can be converted into valuable products such as feather meal, bio diesel, biodegradable plastic and fertilizer. Poultry offal contains certain nutrients and can be used as a dried poultry manure and fertilizer or as an organic raw material for methane production. The remaining waste could be disposed off possibly by incineration or by burial and controlled landfills. Poultry manure is also useful as fertilizer, methane and to produce electricity. This review discusses in detail about the scope for utilization of various poultry wastes. Poultry waste generation is enormous. However, cost effective technologies are yet to be identified to recycle the waste to useful products.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:

It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the and other drawbacks in prior device/system/apparatus.

1. The primary objective to the present invention to develop a sustainable waste management method for poultry waste, specifically targeting chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste.
2. Yet another objective of the present invention is to utilize the bacterial strain Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, known for its keratinase enzyme production, to effectively degrade the resilient keratin structure present in chicken feathers.
3. Yet another objective of the present invention is to convert collected chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste into nutrient-rich poultry compost through the innovative method.
4. Yet another objective of the present invention is to minimize environmental pollution caused by untreated poultry waste, addressing concerns related to air, water, and soil contamination.
5. Yet another objective of the present invention is to implement a cost-effective waste management approach that eliminates the need for energy-intensive methods like incineration, thereby reducing operational costs.
6. Yet another objective of the present invention is to encourage the adoption of poultry compost as an organic fertilizer, aiming to enhance soil fertility and plant growth while minimizing the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers.
7. Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure the resulting poultry compost meets optimal standards through comprehensive physicochemical analysis, including nutrient levels, particle size, and other relevant characteristics.
8. Yet another objective of the present invention is to validate the environmental friendliness of the invention by comparing it with traditional methods of poultry waste disposal, emphasizing reduced pollution and enhanced sustainability.
9. Yet another objective of the present invention is to contribute to sustainable agriculture practices by providing a valuable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers.
10. Yet another objective of the present invention is to raise awareness and promote the adoption of the innovative waste management solution among poultry farmers, agricultural communities, and waste management stakeholders. Highlight the economic and environmental benefits of converting poultry waste into a valuable resource.

These and other objectives and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The invention focuses a novel approach to revolves around an environmentally conscious approach to poultry waste management, specifically addressing the challenges associated with the disposal of chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste. By leveraging the keratinase enzyme-producing capabilities of Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, the method seeks to efficiently break down the complex keratin structure in chicken feathers, a key component of poultry waste. The ultimate goal is to convert this often-problematic waste stream into a valuable resource—nutrient-rich poultry compost.

Traditional disposal methods, including burning, incineration, and landfilling, have long been criticized for their environmental impact and high operational costs. The proposed innovation not only provides a sustainable alternative but also offers a cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for energy-intensive processes. Through a meticulously designed process, the collected chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste are transformed into a dark, crumbly material resembling soil, indicative of successful decomposition.

The resulting poultry compost undergoes thorough physicochemical analysis to ensure its suitability as an organic fertilizer. By promoting the adoption of this compost in agriculture, the invention aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, mitigating the harmful effects on soil health and minimizing environmental pollution. The comprehensive objectives of this invention encompass fostering sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to waste reduction, and creating awareness among stakeholders regarding the economic and environmental benefits of converting poultry waste into a valuable resource. The detailed description and claims further elaborate on the innovative features and potential applications, reinforcing the significance of this poultry waste conversion process in the realms of waste management and sustainable agriculture.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

The present invention addresses the critical issue of environmental pollution arising from poultry waste, with a specific focus on the conversion of chicken feathers into nutrient-rich poultry compost. Poultry waste, when left unattended for extended periods, not only contributes to environmental pollution but also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies, posing additional health risks. The primary component of concern, chicken feathers, is composed of keratin protein, a complex and resilient substance known for its insolubility in water, weak acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. The high degree of cross-linking through disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions renders keratin insensitive to proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin or pepsin, leading to the persistent presence of keratin waste in the environment.

To initiate the poultry waste conversion process, the collection of chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste is crucial. Chicken feathers are sourced from AQSA Chicken Corner in Ghumarwin, while mixed poultry waste is collected from Hemraj Poultry Farm in Hartlyalagar, Bilaspur, H.P. These raw materials form the basis for the formation of poultry compost, addressing both the environmental and health hazards associated with untreated poultry waste.

The preparation of the compost mixture involves a carefully measured combination of one kilogram of poultry waste, 500 grams of chicken feathers, and 500 grams of kitchen waste. The mixture is contained in a clean plastic bucket, providing an ideal environment for the subsequent decomposition process. A key component in the process is the inoculation of the mixture with 200 ml of the freshly cultured keratinolytic isolate VP4 derived from Bacillus thuringiensis. A control bucket, identical in composition but lacking the bacterial culture, is maintained alongside for comparative analysis.

Both buckets are subjected to normal room temperature conditions (30-35°C) for a duration of 60 days. This incubation period allows for the conversion of the compost pile into a dark, crumbly material that closely resembles soil. This transformation serves as a clear indication of the successful and complete decomposition of the feather-rich poultry waste. The innovative use of keratinolytic isolate VP4 accelerates the breakdown of keratin, ensuring that the compost is not only environmentally friendly but also a valuable soil conditioner.

A comprehensive physicochemical analysis follows the decomposition phase to evaluate the properties of the resulting poultry compost. Particle size, color, odor, moisture content, bulk density, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphates, total potash, organic matter, and micro-nutritional values are meticulously checked. This thorough examination ensures that the poultry compost meets optimal standards, making it suitable for use as an organic fertilizer in agriculture.

Therefore, the multi-step process described in this invention not only provides an efficient solution for the conversion of poultry waste into nutrient-rich compost but also addresses the environmental and health concerns associated with untreated poultry waste. The utilization of keratinolytic isolate VP4 from Bacillus thuringiensis ensures a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to waste management, contributing to the broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the environmental footprint of poultry farming.

Advantages of the Innovation
• Environmental Sustainability:The utilization of keratinolytic isolate VP4 in the poultry waste conversion process represents a significant leap in environmental sustainability. By effectively breaking down keratin-rich chicken feathers, the innovation mitigates the persistent environmental pollution caused by untreated poultry waste.
• Mosquito and Fly Reduction: Traditional long-term stacking of poultry waste, exposed to sun and rain, often leads to the breeding of mosquitoes and flies. The inventive method addresses this issue, creating an environment less conducive to the proliferation of these disease vectors, thereby reducing health risks.
• Resourceful Utilization of Chicken Feathers:Chicken feathers, primarily composed of keratin, are transformed into valuable poultry compost. This not only resolves the challenge of keratin waste persistence but also turns a problematic by-product into a resourceful soil conditioner.
• Cost-Effective Waste Management: The method's simplicity and reliance on naturally occurring processes contribute to a cost-effective waste management approach. This stands in stark contrast to traditional methods like incineration, which often incurs high operating costs and consumes significant energy.
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions:The shift towards poultry compost as an organic fertilizer, as opposed to chemical fertilizers, helps reduce the reliance on synthetic alternatives known for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with the broader goal of minimizing agriculture-related environmental impact.
• Improved Soil Health and Structure: Poultry compost resulting from the innovation serves as an excellent soil amendment. It enhances soil structure, increases organic matter content, and improves soil health. These benefits contribute to sustainable agriculture practices and long-term fertility.
• Versatility in Poultry Waste Utilization: The innovation showcases versatility by addressing the challenges posed by both chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste. This comprehensive approach ensures that multiple components of poultry waste are effectively converted into a valuable resource.
• Agricultural Productivity Boost: The nutrient-rich poultry compost derived from the inventive process serves as a potent organic fertilizer. Its application in agriculture leads to improved plant growth, increased crop yields, and enhanced rhizosphere microbial activity, contributing to overall agricultural productivity.
• Community Health Improvement:By reducing the breeding grounds for disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and flies, the innovation indirectly contributes to the improvement of community health. This is particularly relevant in regions where poultry farming is prevalent and health risks are associated with untreated waste.
• Educational and Awareness Impact: Beyond its technical merits, the innovation provides an opportunity for educational outreach. Promoting awareness of sustainable waste management practices and the benefits of poultry compost can contribute to a broader shift in agricultural and waste management practices.

Innovation Iteration:
The continuous development and iteration of this innovation involve ongoing research into optimizing the decomposition process, enhancing the efficiency of keratinolytic isolate VP4, and expanding the application of resulting poultry compost to various crops. Additionally, collaboration with poultry farmers, agricultural researchers, and environmental organizations allows for the integration of real-world feedback and the refinement of the method. The iterative process aims to further elevate the effectiveness, scalability, and overall impact of the invention, ensuring its continuous relevance in the dynamic landscape of waste management and sustainable agriculture.

Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

, Claims:FIELD OF INVENTION:

The invention depicts the conversion of chicken feathers and poultry waste into poultry compost through the use of bacterial strains, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, with keratinase enzyme production capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
The poultry industry, a vital component of the global food supply chain, has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, resulting in increased production of poultry waste, including chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste. While poultry products meet the rising demand for protein, the by-products generated pose significant challenges in terms of disposal and environmental impact. Traditional methods of feather waste disposal, such as burning, incineration, and landfilling, not only contribute to environmental pollution but also incur substantial operating costs and energy consumption.

Feathers, primarily composed of keratin protein, exhibit remarkable resistance to degradation due to their complex structure, characterized by disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Improper disposal of poultry waste leads to long-term environmental persistence, causing soil, water, and air pollution. The need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to manage this burgeoning waste stream has become increasingly evident.

The current invention addresses the environmental and economic challenges associated with untreated poultry waste. By focusing on the conversion of chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste into poultry compost, the method leverages the capabilities of Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, a bacterial strain known for producing the keratinase enzyme. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in breaking down the resilient keratin structure, facilitating the transformation of poultry waste into a valuable compost product.

The traditional methods of feather waste disposal, including burning and incineration, have been criticized for their adverse environmental implications. Not only do these methods contribute to air pollution, but they also entail high operating costs and energy consumption. Landfilling, another common practice, poses the risk of soil and groundwater contamination, exacerbating the environmental footprint of poultry waste disposal.

In contrast, the proposed invention introduces a novel approach that not only addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies but also transforms poultry waste into a resource—poultry compost. The composting process, facilitated by the keratinase-producing Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, results in a dark, crumbly material resembling soil, indicating the successful decomposition of the feather-rich poultry waste.

Physicochemical analysis of the poultry compost provides a comprehensive understanding of its properties, including particle size, color, moisture content, pH, and nutrient composition. This thorough assessment ensures the suitability of the poultry compost as an organic fertilizer, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers that have been known to degrade soil quality and contribute to environmental degradation.

The invention not only presents a sustainable waste management solution but also contributes to the broader goal of promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By encouraging the use of poultry compost as a valuable source of organic fertilizers, the invention aims to reduce the environmental impact of poultry waste while enhancing soil health and supporting sustainable crop production. The following detailed description and claims provide further insights into the innovative features and potential applications of this poultry waste conversion process.

Prior Arts:
Patent Literature:
1. CN111205121A discloses The invention discloses a microbial treatment method for slaughter house sludge and excrement, which comprises the following steps: (1) uniformly mixing 30-40 parts of slaughterhouse sludge, 30-40 parts of animal wastes, 10-20 parts of plant ash, 5-10 parts of beet pulp, 10-15 parts of bran, 20-30 parts of straw particle powder and 3-5 parts of compound bacterial liquid according to the following weight parts to obtain a mixture to be fermented; (2) composting the mixture to be fermented, covering a layer of the organic fertilizer prepared by the invention with the thickness of 2-3cm on the surface of the compost, and naturally fermenting for 10-15 days; then drying and crushing to obtain the organic fertilizer. The microbial treatment method for the slaughterhouse sludge and the excrement has the advantages of no generation of odor gas, high fermentation efficiency, capability of fully decomposing organic matters, large fat chains and protein chains in the sludge, improvement of fertility and fermentation to obtain the organic fertilizer, wherein the content of organic carbon nutrients is more than 3.5%.

2. CN112225419B discloses invention provides a method for recycling livestock and poultry manure, and belongs to the technical field of waste treatment and disposal. The method for resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure provided by the invention comprises the following steps: (1) mixing the livestock and poultry manure with sulfuric acid to obtain mixed feed liquid; (2) carrying out hydrothermal carbonization treatment on the mixed material liquid, and then carrying out solid-liquid separation on the obtained product system to obtain a hydrothermal liquid and a solid carbonized product; (3) mixing the hydrothermal solution with lime water to obtain a liquid containing a bactericide component; mixing the solid carbonized product with a potassium hydroxide solution to obtain a mixed material with the pH value of 6.0-8.0, and drying the mixed material to be used as a soil conditioner; or mixing the mixed material with livestock and poultry manure and urea, and then performing composting fermentation to obtain the carbon-based organic fertilizer. The method provided by the invention can realize harmless and quantitative reduction treatment of the whole process of the livestock and poultry manure, and can realize the resource utilization of the whole elements of the livestock and poultry manure.

Prior Non-Patent Literature:
1) Title: Scope of Poultry Waste Utilization D.Thyagarajan1 , M.Barathi2 , R.Sakthivadivu3 1. Director of Distance Education, TANUVAS 2. Senior Research Fellow, TANUVAS 3. Assistant professor, TANUVAS
Abstract: Poultry farming wastes containing excreta, bedding material, waste feed, dead birds, broken eggs, feathers and offal could emerge into major environmental pollutants. Proven technology and disposal methods are necessary to mitigate their threat on the environment. The major wastes like poultry feathers, offal and litter have different field applications. Poultry feathers being rich sources of keratin proteins and amino acids, can be converted into valuable products such as feather meal, bio diesel, biodegradable plastic and fertilizer. Poultry offal contains certain nutrients and can be used as a dried poultry manure and fertilizer or as an organic raw material for methane production. The remaining waste could be disposed off possibly by incineration or by burial and controlled landfills. Poultry manure is also useful as fertilizer, methane and to produce electricity. This review discusses in detail about the scope for utilization of various poultry wastes. Poultry waste generation is enormous. However, cost effective technologies are yet to be identified to recycle the waste to useful products.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:

It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the and other drawbacks in prior device/system/apparatus.

1. The primary objective to the present invention to develop a sustainable waste management method for poultry waste, specifically targeting chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste.
2. Yet another objective of the present invention is to utilize the bacterial strain Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, known for its keratinase enzyme production, to effectively degrade the resilient keratin structure present in chicken feathers.
3. Yet another objective of the present invention is to convert collected chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste into nutrient-rich poultry compost through the innovative method.
4. Yet another objective of the present invention is to minimize environmental pollution caused by untreated poultry waste, addressing concerns related to air, water, and soil contamination.
5. Yet another objective of the present invention is to implement a cost-effective waste management approach that eliminates the need for energy-intensive methods like incineration, thereby reducing operational costs.
6. Yet another objective of the present invention is to encourage the adoption of poultry compost as an organic fertilizer, aiming to enhance soil fertility and plant growth while minimizing the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers.
7. Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure the resulting poultry compost meets optimal standards through comprehensive physicochemical analysis, including nutrient levels, particle size, and other relevant characteristics.
8. Yet another objective of the present invention is to validate the environmental friendliness of the invention by comparing it with traditional methods of poultry waste disposal, emphasizing reduced pollution and enhanced sustainability.
9. Yet another objective of the present invention is to contribute to sustainable agriculture practices by providing a valuable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers.
10. Yet another objective of the present invention is to raise awareness and promote the adoption of the innovative waste management solution among poultry farmers, agricultural communities, and waste management stakeholders. Highlight the economic and environmental benefits of converting poultry waste into a valuable resource.

These and other objectives and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The invention focuses a novel approach to revolves around an environmentally conscious approach to poultry waste management, specifically addressing the challenges associated with the disposal of chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste. By leveraging the keratinase enzyme-producing capabilities of Bacillus thuringiensis VP4, the method seeks to efficiently break down the complex keratin structure in chicken feathers, a key component of poultry waste. The ultimate goal is to convert this often-problematic waste stream into a valuable resource—nutrient-rich poultry compost.

Traditional disposal methods, including burning, incineration, and landfilling, have long been criticized for their environmental impact and high operational costs. The proposed innovation not only provides a sustainable alternative but also offers a cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for energy-intensive processes. Through a meticulously designed process, the collected chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste are transformed into a dark, crumbly material resembling soil, indicative of successful decomposition.

The resulting poultry compost undergoes thorough physicochemical analysis to ensure its suitability as an organic fertilizer. By promoting the adoption of this compost in agriculture, the invention aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, mitigating the harmful effects on soil health and minimizing environmental pollution. The comprehensive objectives of this invention encompass fostering sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to waste reduction, and creating awareness among stakeholders regarding the economic and environmental benefits of converting poultry waste into a valuable resource. The detailed description and claims further elaborate on the innovative features and potential applications, reinforcing the significance of this poultry waste conversion process in the realms of waste management and sustainable agriculture.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

The present invention addresses the critical issue of environmental pollution arising from poultry waste, with a specific focus on the conversion of chicken feathers into nutrient-rich poultry compost. Poultry waste, when left unattended for extended periods, not only contributes to environmental pollution but also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies, posing additional health risks. The primary component of concern, chicken feathers, is composed of keratin protein, a complex and resilient substance known for its insolubility in water, weak acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. The high degree of cross-linking through disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions renders keratin insensitive to proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin or pepsin, leading to the persistent presence of keratin waste in the environment.

To initiate the poultry waste conversion process, the collection of chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste is crucial. Chicken feathers are sourced from AQSA Chicken Corner in Ghumarwin, while mixed poultry waste is collected from Hemraj Poultry Farm in Hartlyalagar, Bilaspur, H.P. These raw materials form the basis for the formation of poultry compost, addressing both the environmental and health hazards associated with untreated poultry waste.

The preparation of the compost mixture involves a carefully measured combination of one kilogram of poultry waste, 500 grams of chicken feathers, and 500 grams of kitchen waste. The mixture is contained in a clean plastic bucket, providing an ideal environment for the subsequent decomposition process. A key component in the process is the inoculation of the mixture with 200 ml of the freshly cultured keratinolytic isolate VP4 derived from Bacillus thuringiensis. A control bucket, identical in composition but lacking the bacterial culture, is maintained alongside for comparative analysis.

Both buckets are subjected to normal room temperature conditions (30-35°C) for a duration of 60 days. This incubation period allows for the conversion of the compost pile into a dark, crumbly material that closely resembles soil. This transformation serves as a clear indication of the successful and complete decomposition of the feather-rich poultry waste. The innovative use of keratinolytic isolate VP4 accelerates the breakdown of keratin, ensuring that the compost is not only environmentally friendly but also a valuable soil conditioner.

A comprehensive physicochemical analysis follows the decomposition phase to evaluate the properties of the resulting poultry compost. Particle size, color, odor, moisture content, bulk density, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphates, total potash, organic matter, and micro-nutritional values are meticulously checked. This thorough examination ensures that the poultry compost meets optimal standards, making it suitable for use as an organic fertilizer in agriculture.

Therefore, the multi-step process described in this invention not only provides an efficient solution for the conversion of poultry waste into nutrient-rich compost but also addresses the environmental and health concerns associated with untreated poultry waste. The utilization of keratinolytic isolate VP4 from Bacillus thuringiensis ensures a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to waste management, contributing to the broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the environmental footprint of poultry farming.

Advantages of the Innovation
• Environmental Sustainability:The utilization of keratinolytic isolate VP4 in the poultry waste conversion process represents a significant leap in environmental sustainability. By effectively breaking down keratin-rich chicken feathers, the innovation mitigates the persistent environmental pollution caused by untreated poultry waste.
• Mosquito and Fly Reduction: Traditional long-term stacking of poultry waste, exposed to sun and rain, often leads to the breeding of mosquitoes and flies. The inventive method addresses this issue, creating an environment less conducive to the proliferation of these disease vectors, thereby reducing health risks.
• Resourceful Utilization of Chicken Feathers:Chicken feathers, primarily composed of keratin, are transformed into valuable poultry compost. This not only resolves the challenge of keratin waste persistence but also turns a problematic by-product into a resourceful soil conditioner.
• Cost-Effective Waste Management: The method's simplicity and reliance on naturally occurring processes contribute to a cost-effective waste management approach. This stands in stark contrast to traditional methods like incineration, which often incurs high operating costs and consumes significant energy.
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions:The shift towards poultry compost as an organic fertilizer, as opposed to chemical fertilizers, helps reduce the reliance on synthetic alternatives known for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with the broader goal of minimizing agriculture-related environmental impact.
• Improved Soil Health and Structure: Poultry compost resulting from the innovation serves as an excellent soil amendment. It enhances soil structure, increases organic matter content, and improves soil health. These benefits contribute to sustainable agriculture practices and long-term fertility.
• Versatility in Poultry Waste Utilization: The innovation showcases versatility by addressing the challenges posed by both chicken feathers and mixed poultry waste. This comprehensive approach ensures that multiple components of poultry waste are effectively converted into a valuable resource.
• Agricultural Productivity Boost: The nutrient-rich poultry compost derived from the inventive process serves as a potent organic fertilizer. Its application in agriculture leads to improved plant growth, increased crop yields, and enhanced rhizosphere microbial activity, contributing to overall agricultural productivity.
• Community Health Improvement:By reducing the breeding grounds for disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and flies, the innovation indirectly contributes to the improvement of community health. This is particularly relevant in regions where poultry farming is prevalent and health risks are associated with untreated waste.
• Educational and Awareness Impact: Beyond its technical merits, the innovation provides an opportunity for educational outreach. Promoting awareness of sustainable waste management practices and the benefits of poultry compost can contribute to a broader shift in agricultural and waste management practices.

Innovation Iteration:
The continuous development and iteration of this innovation involve ongoing research into optimizing the decomposition process, enhancing the efficiency of keratinolytic isolate VP4, and expanding the application of resulting poultry compost to various crops. Additionally, collaboration with poultry farmers, agricultural researchers, and environmental organizations allows for the integration of real-world feedback and the refinement of the method. The iterative process aims to further elevate the effectiveness, scalability, and overall impact of the invention, ensuring its continuous relevance in the dynamic landscape of waste management and sustainable agriculture.

Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.