Method and composition for maintaining animals on a keratin-containing diet

摘要

Methods and compositions for maintaining animals on a diet containing keratin as a source of protein are disclosed. The method comprises feeding an animal a carbohydrate source and a first protein source, the first protein source comprising keratin and a keratinase capable of hydrolyzing the keratin. A composition of the present invention is an animal feed comprising a carbohydrate source and a first protein source, the first protein source comprising keratin and a keratinase capable of hydrolyzing the keratin. A preferred keratin for practicing the present invention is ground feather, and a preferred keratinase for practicing the invention is obtained from Bacillus licheniformis strain PWD-1.