The challenge

Feathers represent approximately 5% of poultry's total weight and constitute a major waste stream in the industry. Iran's poultry production reached 223,000 tonnes monthly in 2024, returning the country to net exporter status.

The primary challenge: keratin protein in feathers contains disulfide bonds, making it insoluble and difficult to digest.

The solution

Scientists from the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB) isolated a keratinase-encoding gene from a native bacterial strain and expressed it in laboratory hosts.

As Amir Maimandipour explained: "the strains can be applied directly for enzyme production or used alongside feather waste collected from slaughterhouses."

Applications and outlook

Keratinases have uses extending beyond animal feed into food, clothing, medicine, and cosmetics industries. Scientists anticipate feather meal could enhance animal diets, though further research is needed to confirm effectiveness.