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Background: Poor feather growth not only affects the appearance of the organism but also decreases the feed efficiency. Methionine (Met) is an essential amino acid required for feather follicle development; yet the exact mechanism involved remains insufficiently understood. Methods: A total of 180 1-day-old broilers were selected and randomly divided into 3 treatments: control group (0.45% Met), Met-deficiency group (0.25% Met), and Met-rescue group (0.45% Met in the pre-trial period and 0.25% Met in the post-trial period). The experimental period lasted for 56 d, with a pre-trial period of 1–28 d and a post-trial period of 29–56 d. In addition, Met-deficiency and Met-rescue models were constructed in feather follicle epidermal stem cell by controlling the supply of Met in the culture medium. Results: Dietary Met-deficiency significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the ADG, ADFI and F/G, and inhibited feather follicle development. Met supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance and the feather growth in broilers. Met-rescue may promote feather growth in broilers by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (GSK-3β, CK1, Axin1, β-catenin, Active β-catenin, TCF4, and Cyclin D1). Compared with Met-deficiency group, Met-rescue significantly (P < 0.05) increased the activity of feather follicle epidermal stem cell and mitochondrial membrane potential, activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and decreased the content of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.05). CO-IP confirmed that mitochondrial protein PGAM5 interacted with Axin1, the scaffold protein of the disruption complex of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and directly mediated Met regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and feather follicle development. Conclusions: PGAM5 binding to Axin1 mediates the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and promotes feather follicle development and feather growth of broiler chickens through Met supplementation. These results provide theoretical support for the improvement of economic value and production efficiency of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize keratinolytic thermophilic aerobic bacilli from Armenian geothermal springs. In total 20 thermophilic aerobic bacilli strains have been isolated using chicken feather enrichment cultures. Among these, four strains affiliated (based on 16S rRNA genes sequences) as Bacillus licheniformis (95–97% similarity) and Bacillus borbori (> 99% similarity) demonstrated the capability to completely degrade chicken feathers at 55 °C. The highest rate of feather hydrolyses in mono-species cultures was observed with 40 g L−1 substrate. Notably, enhanced keratin weight loss (≥ 80%) was observed in dual co-cultures involving B. borbori M14, highlighting superior degradative potential of this strain. Keratinolytic enzyme production was dedected during the late exponential growth phase, reached its maximum activity (0.013 U mL−1) during the stationary phase, suggesting growth-associated enzyme synthesis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the hydrolysis end products revealed that aspartic acid and isoleucine were the predominant amino acids, followed by leucine, phenylalanine, alanine, tyrosine and glutamic acid. These findings confirm that the newly isolated strains are promising sources of keratinolytic proteases, with potential applications in circular bioeconomy based processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for new non-animal textile materials has increased yearly as environmental awareness and veganism continue to spread, driving the development of greener fabrics. Concurrently, β-keratin, a fibrous, resistant, and insoluble protein shows great potential for producing innovative biomaterials. However, β-keratin is naturally abundant in animal feathers. Therefore, the recombinant production of β-keratin from G allus gallus feathers was proposed using a strategy of parallel expression in different vectors. Statistical tools of experimental design were employed to improve the production of soluble biosynthetic keratin. It was shown that β-keratins fused to His 6 MBP had better performance regarding soluble expression. In addition, the optimized regions for the values of induction temperature, induction time, and induction absorbance were obtained. As a result, a yield of 185.3 ± 1.4 mg/L of soluble His 6 MBP-Chr2.FK4 was achieved, representing the highest yield reported to date. • His 6 -MBP-fused β-keratins from Gallus gallus feathers show superior soluble expression than those fused to His 6 GST or His 6. • A 2-level fractional factorial design (25–1) identified temperature, time, and absorbance as critical variables. • Inducer (IPTG) and antibiotic (kanamycin) concentrations can be minimized, reducing process inputs. • Central composite rotational design effectively modeled temperature and time for optimal induction absorbance. • The optimized process yielded 185.3 ± 1.4 mg/L of soluble Gallus gallus feather β-keratin, the highest yield reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Skin appendages, such as hair and feathers, are characteristic traits of mammals and birds, respectively. They are prototypes for a much broader range of skin appendages including also scales, claws, scutes and beaks, which develop in land-dwelling vertebrates. All these skin appendages have in common that they consist of dead cells which are tightly packed with specific proteins. This review provides an overview of the protein components of skin appendages characterized so far and identifies gaps of knowledge that need to be addressed by future studies. In particular, keratins and proteins encoded by genes of the so-called epidermal differentiation complex are highlighted as critical contributors to the architecture of feathers, scales and claws. As many skin appendage proteins have been predicted but not fully characterized yet with regard to their three-dimensional structure, interactions with other proteins and distribution in skin cells, they are important topics of ongoing research. Reptiles, birds, mammals and amphibians, together forming the clade tetrapods, have a large diversity of cornified skin appendages, such as scales, feathers, hair and claws. The skin appendages consist of dead epithelial cells that are tightly packed with specific structural proteins. Here, we review the molecular diversity and expression patterns of major types of skin appendage proteins, namely keratin intermediate filament proteins, keratin-associated proteins (KRTAPs) and proteins encoded by genes of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), including corneous beta-proteins, also known as beta-keratins. We summarize the current knowledge about the components of skin appendages with a focus on keratins and EDC proteins that have recently been identified in reptiles and birds. We discuss gaps of knowledge and suggest directions of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrated that feathers, primarily composed of keratin, can be converted into eco-friendly products using the newly isolated strain Chitinophaga eiseniae 4 H (C.eiseniae 4 H), which degrades puffed feather powder by over 90 % in 36 hours. The PFP degradation solution's surface tension dropped to 32.35 ± 0.096 mN/m after 60 hours, with inhibition zones of 12 mm and 14 mm observed for the 48-hour and 72-hour hydrolysates. Additionally, the concentrations of total amino acids and essential amino acids increased significantly after 24 hours of hydrolysis. This approach provides a novel strategy to utilize feather-containing waste for producing value-added biosurfactants with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. [Display omitted] • First discovery that C. eiseniae 4 H degrade puffed feather powder (PFP) efficiently. • First discovery that C. eiseniae 4 H biotransform PFP into biosurfactants. • First discovery that C. eiseniae 4 H biotransform PFP into antibacterial and antioxidant solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the surface of duck feather was modified with (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane and (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), and it was used as a natural polymeric adsorbent to remove nitrate ion from a solution. The prepared modified duck feather was characterized using TGA, FT-IR, and FE-SEM analyses. The study examined the effect of various parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of nitrate on adsorption efficiency. pH = 7, 40 min contact time, 30 mg of adsorbent, and 40 mg/L initial concentration of nitrate were found as the optimum conditions offering the maximum efficiency of 91.85% and maximum adsorption capacity of 30.62 mg/g. Also considered were various competing anions together with nitrate ions in the solution. The results revealed that maximum nitrate adsorption could be obtained in the presence of phosphate anion via ion exchange mechanism. It could also offer the best fit for the adsorption isotherm and kinetic model for Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models. The investigation of thermodynamic parameters at 25 °C revealed that the ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° were obtained −5.44, −46.56, and −0.14 kJ mol−1 K−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bonelli's Eagle is an endangered species with little information on its ectoparasites. We studied their chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) infestations by visually searching the plumage of 64 wild and captive specimens. Three different species were identified: Degeeriella sp., Colpocephalum impressum and Laemobothrion maximum. This is the first case of Laemobothrion maximum on Bonelli's Eagle described. We also observe its haematophagous behavior. Due to the low prevalence of infestations, no alterations in the host health are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A feather-degrading bacterium, Bacillus velezensis PN1, was isolated, and solid-state fermentation conditions were optimized. The resulting fermented feather meal (FFM) was evaluated for bioavailability in broilers. B. velezensis PN1 showed the highest feather degradation rate, with optimal fermentation achieved at 37 °C for 48–72 h. FFM2, produced with 65% moisture at 37 °C for 48 h, was compared with FFM1 (produced at 27 °C) and commercial hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM). FFM2 was found to be more suitable for large-scale production due to its amino acid profile and fermentation efficiency. In a broiler growth trial, diets containing 5% FFM2 showed no significant difference in body weight, feed conversion ratio, or performance efficiency compared to the 5% HFM group (p > 0.05). However, both FFM2 and HFM groups showed lower weight gain than the 5% fish meal (FM) group (p < 0.05). Without supplemental amino acids, growth performance did not differ between FFM2 and HFM groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, FFM produced by B. velezensis PN1 can completely replace HFM when included at 5% in broiler diets. In this study, an effective feather-degrading bacterium was isolated and the solid-state fermentation condition for feather degradation was optimized. The resulting fermented feather meal (FFM) was evaluated for its bioavailability in broilers. Four Bacillus strains were examined for feather degradation rates, with Bacillus velezensis PN1 exhibiting the highest rate (83.24%, p < 0.05). A 3 × 3 × 3 factorial design was used to test substrate moisture content (45%, 55%, 65%), temperature (27 °C, 37 °C, 47 °C), and incubation time (24, 48, 72 h) for optimized fermentation conditions. In vitro pepsin digestibility (IVPD) revealed a significant interaction between temperature and time (p < 0.05), and the optimal performance was achieved at 37 °C for 72 h, followed by 37 °C for 48 h. Considering production time and cost, FFM2 (produced with 65% moisture at 37 °C for 48 h) was further compared with FFM1 (produced under the same conditions but at a lower temperature of 27 °C), and commercial hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM). IVPD did not differ significantly between FFM1, FFM2, and HFM, as they all showed significantly higher digestibility compared to raw feathers (RFs). FFM1, as well as FFM2, had significantly higher histidine and lysine concentrations than RF (p < 0.05), while FFM2 had a significantly lower cysteine content (p < 0.05). Based on fermentation conditions and amino acid composition, FFM2 was considered more suitable for large-scale production and was used in a broiler growth trial. The inclusion of 5% FFM2 in the broiler diet did not significantly affect body weight at 35 days compared to the 5% HFM group (p > 0.05), although both groups showed significantly lower weight gain than the 5% fish meal (FM) group (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio and performance efficiency factor did not differ significantly between the FFM2, HFM, and FM groups (p > 0.05). In groups fed diets without supplemental crystalline amino acids, growth performance did not significantly differ between the HFM and FFM2 groups (p > 0.05), although both performed significantly worse than groups with amino acid supplementation. In conclusion, FFM produced by B. velezensis PN1 through solid-state fermentation enhances feather bioavailability in poultry and can completely replace HFM when included at 5% in broiler diets, offering a potential sustainable alternative for poultry nutrition on a commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feather is a sort of commonly used noninvasive material that can provide DNA and hormones for the research， monitoring and management of birds. However， feather vane is a fully keratinized tissue with very low content of DNA and hormones that often challenges the extraction. In the study， we developed a novel method to co-extract DNA and corticoste⁃ roid from feather vane， named DH-CoEx. The extraction efficiency and usability of DH-CoEx were evaluated by using feath⁃ ers from large feathers represented by the red crowned crane (Grus japonensis) and green peafowl (Pavo muticus) ， and small feathers represented by the chestnut bunting (Emberiza rutila) and little bunting (E. pusilla). The results showed that DH-CoEx could co-extracted total DNA and corticosteroid (cortisol) from feather vanes. The copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) extracted from 5 mg feather reached 104 ， that could support amplification of 1，350 bp fragments. The nuclear DNA (nuDNA) could support genotyping of microsatellites with a success rate of 98. 11% - 99. 60% success rate for alleles less than 200 bp. The yield of cortisol co-extracted reach the level of normal single extraction approaches and supportive for physiological analysis. These results suggest that DH-CoEx is a simple and effective method to co-extract DNA and corticosteroids from a fully keratinized feather to support analysis of genetic markers and stress hormone in a broad range of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of feathers on the hydrodynamic drag experienced by diving birds, which is critical to their foraging efficiency and survival. Employing a novel experimental approach, we analyzed the kinematics of both feathered and nonfeathered projectiles during their transition from air to water using high‐speed imaging and an onboard accelerometer. The drag coefficients were determined through two methods: a direct calculation from the acceleration data and a theoretical approach fitted to the observed velocity profiles. Our results indicate that feathers significantly increase the drag force during water entry, with feathered projectiles exhibiting approximately double the drag coefficient of their smooth counterparts. These findings provide new insights into the role of avian feather morphology in diving mechanics and have potential implications for the design of bioinspired aquatic vehicles in engineering. The study also discusses the biological implications of increased drag due to feathers and suggests that factors such as body shape might play a more critical role in the diving capabilities of birds than previously understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities have contributed to the increase of heavy metals and to the alteration of their natural cycles in the environment. Mercury (Hg) is now considered to be one of the most toxic elements whose levels need to be monitored in abiogenic and biogenic environmental compartments. It can enter the body of animal in several ways, mainly through contaminated food. In this study, we compared mercury levels in mouse hair and songbird feathers from Zhongar Alatau National Park in Kazakhstan and from national parks in Slovakia. We sampled mice of the genus Apodemus and songbirds of three genera – Parus, Phylloscopus and Turdus. Total mercury concentrations were measured using DMA-80. The results showed higher levels of Hg bioaccumulation in Slovakia than in Kazakhstan in both songbirds and mice. The three songbird species from Kazakhstan showed differences due to different feeding niches. High levels were found in thrushes, which are considered insectivorous ground feeders, whereas the lowest mercury concentrations were detected in tits, which are considered more generalist feeders. In Slovakia, the trend was different, with tits having similar levels of Hg to thrushes, a reflection of the different levels of contamination of environmental components. Mice showed overall lower concentrations than birds at both sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To explore the residual laws of typical antibacterial drugs in the feather and sebum of different broiler breeds, and evaluate the significance of feathers in monitoring the veterinary drug residues of broilers. [Method] Xueshan Chicken and AA broilers were fed with flufenicol or enrofloxacin for 21 days before slaughter, and drug residues in the feather and sebum at different time after withdrawal were determined. [Result]The residues of flufenicol and its metabolites (flufenicolamide) in the feathers of the two broiler breeds reached the highest level on the first day after drug withdrawal, and the contents were close. The total residue of enrofloxacin and its metabolites (ciprofloxacin) in the feathers of Xueshan Chicken reached its peak on the first day after withdrawal, and that in AA chicken reached its peak on the third day after withdrawal. The peak residual amount of drugs in the feather of Xueshan Chicken was greatly higher than that in AA broilers. Then the drug residual amount in the feather gradually decreased. On the 14th day after withdrawal, the residues of flufenicol and its metabolites in the the feathers of AA broilers and Xueshan Chicken were 281. 37 and 424. 30 μg/kg respectively, the content of enrofloxacin and its metabolites were 16. 03 and 26. 21 μg/kg, respectively. The residual laws of the two drug es in the sebum were similar to those in the feathers, suggesting that monitoring drug residues in the feathers could indirectly infer drug residues in edible tissues. [Conclusion]There were differences in the metabolism of the same drug in the feathers of different breeds of broilers, and the drug residues in the feathers could be used as the reference for monitoring the drug residues in broiler products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird plumage coloration is a complex and multifactorial process that involves both genetic and environmental factors. Diverse pigment groups contribute to plumage variation in different birds. In parrots, the predominant green color results from the combination of 2 different primary colors: yellow and blue. Psittacofulvin, a pigment uniquely found in parrots, is responsible for the yellow coloration, while blue is suggested to be the result of light scattering by feather nanostructures and melanin granules. So far, genetic control of melanin-mediated blue coloration has been elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that feather from the yellow mutant rose-ringed parakeet displays loss of melanosome granules in spongy layer of feather barb. Using whole genome sequencing, we found that mutation in SLC45A2, an important solute carrier protein in melanin synthetic pathway, is responsible for the sex-linked yellow phenotype in rose-ringed parakeet. Intriguingly, one of the mutations, P53L found in yellow Psittacula krameri is already reported as P58A/S in the human albinism database, known to be associated with human OCA4. We further showed that mutations in SLC45A2 gene affect melanin production also in other members of Psittaculidae family such as alexandrine and plum-headed parakeets. Additionally, we demonstrate that the mutations associated with the sex-linked yellow phenotype, localized within the transmembrane domains of the SLC45A2 protein, affect the protein localization pattern. This is the first evidence of plumage color variation involving SLC45A2 in parrots and confirmation of associated mutations in the transmembrane domains of the protein that affects its localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many biological materials may be considered as cellular materials, for example, soft tissues, but also bones, wood, or foam‐like medulla in a bird feather. The cells may be filled with a fluid or just with air, have different size, shape, and wall thickness. Less is known about how the mechanical and morphological parameters of the cellular materials influence their biologically relevant functions. A simple descriptive 2D numerical model of a cellular material based on Voronoi diagrams is presented here which aims prompt investigation how structural parameters influence its physical properties. The preliminary numerical simulations demonstrate that with an increasing wall thickness the energy dissipation increases and with an increasing cell density also an average stress increases. Other interesting results are that an increased dissipation constant of cellular material reduces the stress, and that in hierarchical foams the dissipation takes place mostly in the thick walls. The presented approach allows screening the influence of further material features and structural parameters, such as for example, different kinds of gradients or different properties of biological or biologically inspired cellular materials at different loading conditions. Direct comparison of different real biological structures could be also performed, especially when real experimental measurements are impossible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the biggest problems in the healing process of acute and chronic wounds is the emergence of secondary symptoms, such as infections causing delayed healing. The most effective way to solve this problem is to speed up the healing process. Natural-based products play an active role in accelerating this process even more. The current work is focused on developing an alternative natural wound dressing by creating a mucilage film from quince seed with keratin obtained from feathers. The study includes the following chemical characterizations: FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). In addition, thickness and antioxidant activity tests were performed to obtain more information about the films. The thickness of the composite films increased with the increase of keratin amount. The antioxidant activities of the films varied between 17.60 and 27.48%. Besides, the effect of keratin amount on the changing hydrophobicity of the films was investigated by contact angle measurement, and it was determined that increasing keratin amount increased the hydrophobicity of the films. The results of the analysis have shown that goose feather keratin is a potential alternative source for obtaining both economic and environmentally friendly products in areas like wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of migratory connectivity is important for understanding the potential drivers of populations and it is thus important for conservation implications. Migratory connectivity of species can be studied using exogenous, such as rings and transmitters, or endogenous markers, such as stable isotopes and trace elements. The use of trace elements has been much less frequently studied compared to stable isotopes. Trace elements can be studied from the feathers of birds and this does not necessarily require trapping of individuals. Here we studied the variation of 18 different trace elements in feathers of two long‐distance trans‐African migrants, willow warblers Phylloscopus trochilus and barn swallows Hirundo rustica, using body feathers of museum specimens of birds from Finnish breeding grounds. The trace elements were measured using laser‐ablation inductively‐coupled‐plasma mass‐spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS). We show that trace element concentrations were relatively stable along the rachis within the same feather except in Ni and S, which showed a quadratic pattern. In general, variation within feathers of the same individuals was smaller than in feathers between individuals for most elements. Furthermore, concentrations of 11 trace elements showed significantly higher concentrations in willow warbler feathers collected in spring than in autumn, moulted in African wintering grounds and European breeding grounds, respectively. Last, concentrations of seven trace elements were significantly higher in the spring feathers of willow warblers compared to barn swallows. This suggests that trace elements could be used to separate moulting grounds of the birds on the larger scale within the same species, but also sampling design should be carefully considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the integration of the circular economy, keratin hydrolysis is essential for preventing keratin accumulation in the environment and offers opportunities for utilising the resultant protein hydrolysate. Keratin hydrolysate can serve as an alternative nitrogen source for microbial cultures, and thus promote cost-effective production of commercially valuable metabolites such as biofuels, vitamins, organic acids, pigments, and polysaccharides. Considering the amount of keratin waste generated annually, particularly chicken feathers, exploring alternative approaches for utilising keratin hydrolysate could stimulate further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the generation of chicken feathers, due to the large production of the poultry industry, has created the need to search for ecologically safer ways to manage these residues. As a sustainable alternative for recycling keratin waste, we investigated the ability of the bacterium Ochrobactrum intermedium to hydrolyze chicken feathers and the valorization of the resulting enzymes and protein hydrolysate. In submerged fermentation with three different inoculum sizes (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg of bacterial cells per 50 mL of medium), the fastest degradation of feathers was achieved with 5.0 mg cells, in which a complete decomposition of the substrate (96 h) and earlier peaks of keratinolytic and caseinolytic activities were detected. In the resulting protein hydrolysate, we noticed antioxidant and Fe2+ and Cu2+ chelating activities. ABTS scavenging, Fe3+-reducing ability and metal chelating activities of the fermentative samples followed the same trend of feather degradation; as feather mass decreased in the media, these activities increased. Furthermore, we noticed about 47% and 60% dispersion of established 7-day biofilms formed by S. aureus after enzymatic treatment for 5 h and 24 h, respectively. These findings highlight the potential use of this bacterium as an environmentally friendly alternative to treat this poultry waste and offer valuable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valorization of chicken feather is a long‐sought approach for its sustainable disposal. Being protein rich, hydrolyzed chicken feather has a wide range of applications, not limited to formulation of microbiological culture media, animal feed, and biofertilizers, but extends to synthesis of bioplastic films, cosmetics, and biomedicals. In this study, a potent keratinolytic isolate was recovered from soil and identified by 16S rRNA as Bacillus thuringiensis. Feather degradation by the isolate was optimized through response surface methodology. First, one‐variable‐at‐a‐time technique to assign the factors that affect feather degradation, then Box–Behnken central composite design model were employed. The model, involving three independent variables (initial pH, inoculum size, and concentration of supplementary glucose), was significant (R2 = 0.9716). According to the model, complete feather degradation is obtained at an inoculum size of B. thuringiensis B4 equal to 1 × 1010 CFU/ml, when feather meal broth is supplemented with 1.5% (w/v) glucose and pH adjusted to 8.5. Protein content of the lysate was 327.8 ± 25 μg/ml, and no carbohydrates were detected. SEM/EDX analysis has shown that the hydrolysate consisted mainly of O, P, S, and Se in addition to carbon, while FTIR images assured the presence of carboxyl and amino groups characteristic of peptides and amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the generation of chicken feathers, due to the large production of the poultry industry, has created the need to search for ecologically safer ways to manage these residues. As a sustainable alternative for recycling keratin waste, we investigated the ability of the bacterium Ochrobactrum intermedium to hydrolyze chicken feathers and the valorization of the resulting enzymes and protein hydrolysate. In submerged fermentation with three different inoculum sizes (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg of bacterial cells per 50 mL of medium), the fastest degradation of feathers was achieved with 5.0 mg cells, in which a complete decomposition of the substrate (96 h) and earlier peaks of keratinolytic and caseinolytic activities were detected. In the resulting protein hydrolysate, we noticed antioxidant and Fe2+ and Cu2+ chelating activities. ABTS scavenging, Fe3+-reducing ability and metal chelating activities of the fermentative samples followed the same trend of feather degradation; as feather mass decreased in the media, these activities increased. Furthermore, we noticed about 47% and 60% dispersion of established 7-day biofilms formed by S. aureus after enzymatic treatment for 5 h and 24 h, respectively. These findings highlight the potential use of this bacterium as an environmentally friendly alternative to treat this poultry waste and offer valuable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan, Lagopus muta hyperborea, is the only year-round resident terrestrial bird in the high Arctic. Many of the physiological and morphological adaptations permitting its winter endurance in this harsh environment are well understood. However, it remains unknown how the conspicuous moult from a greyish brown summer to a white winter plumage, and any underlying changes in plumage structure and feather morphology, contribute to seasonal acclimatisation. We used standard morphometric techniques to describe the seasonal change in plumage and feather characteristics in six body regions. Then, we investigated whether winter plumage traits differed between first-winter and adult (second winter, or older) birds, because a difference in coat insulation has been suggested as an explanation for why first-winter Svalbard Ptarmigan loose more heat than adults. Plumage feather density (i.e., feathers × cm−2) and mass density (i.e., mg feathers × cm−2) were higher in winter, particularly on the head and feet where individual feathers were also heavier, longer, and downier. Seasonal changes in other regions (back, tarsi) indicated acclimatisation primarily to resist physical wear and wind. First-winter and adult birds had similar feather densities. However, mass density in first-winter birds was significantly lower than in adults in all but one body region (back) because individual feathers weighed less. This can explain previous observations of higher heat loss rates in first-winter birds. Our study suggests that plumage acclimatisation contributes to optimising the winter phenotype of Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan, both through higher insulative capacity and by improved resistance to harsh weather. The extent of these adaptations may be determined by the time or energy available for feather growth, exemplified here by inferior insulation in first-winter birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PBCF, a gene crucial for pennaceous barbule formation, was identified. • PBCF is expressed in barbule cells adjacent to the ramus during barbule development. • PBCF is transiently expressed between pigmentation and keratinization processes. • PBCF may act as an avian-specific extracellular matrix component. • This study provides insights into feather evolution and avian biology. Bird contour feathers exhibit a complex hierarchical structure composed of a rachis, barbs, and barbules, with barbules playing a crucial role in maintaining feather structure and function. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying barbule formation is essential for advancing our knowledge of avian biology and evolution. In this study, we identified a novel gene, pennaceous barbule cell factor (PBCF), using microarray analysis, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. PBCF is expressed in barbule cells adjacent to the ramus during pennaceous barbule formation, where these cells fuse with the ramus to establish the feather's branching structure. PBCF expression occurs transiently after melanin pigmentation of the barbule plates but before the expression of barbule-specific keratin 1 (BlSK1). Orthologues of PBCF , predicted to be secreted proteins, are conserved across avian species, with potential homologues detected in reptiles, suggesting an evolutionary lineage-specific adaptation. Additionally, PBCF is expressed in non-vacuolated notochord cells and the extra-embryonic ectoderm of the yolk sac, hinting at its broader developmental significance. The PBCF gene produces two mRNA isoforms via alternative splicing, encoding a secreted protein and a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane-bound protein, indicating functional versatility. These findings suggest that PBCF may be involved as an avian-specific extracellular matrix component in cell adhesion and/or communication, potentially contributing to both feather development and embryogenesis. Further investigation of PBCF's role in feather evolution and its potential functions in other vertebrates could provide new insights into the interplay between development and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize the high-value utilization of cock feathers and reduce environmental pollution, waste feathers have been successfully converted into bio-oil enriched with nitrogenous chemicals and nitrogen-doped biochar through pyrolysis technology in this research. The effects of pyrolysis mode, pyrolysis temperature and pyrolysis atmosphere on the pyrolysis products were investigated. The results showed that the directional control of pyrolysis products can be achieved by changing the pyrolysis parameters. Pyrolysis mode and pyrolysis temperature were the main influencing factors. The fast pyrolysis favored the migration of element N to the bio-oil, in which the content of nitrogen compounds in bio-oil can reach up to 84 %. While the slow pyrolysis favored the increase of N content in the biochar. The appropriate increase of temperature facilitated the increase in bio-oil yield, favoring the generation of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. In addition, CO 2 atmosphere can inhibit the secondary cracking of volatile components, reducing N elemental migration to gas-phase products. Finally, the mechanism of nitrogen migration and transformation during feather pyrolysis and the evolution mechanism of nitrogenous compounds were proposed. This research can provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of nitrogenous compounds and nitrogen-doped biochar by using waste feathers. [Display omitted] • Nitrogenous chemicals and nitrogen-doped carbon were prepared from feathers. • Relative content of total nitrogen-containing compounds in bio-oil can reach 84 %. • Comparison was made between fast and slow pyrolysis on distribution of products. • CO 2 atmosphere promoted the formation of pyridine-N in biochar. • Migration and transformation law of N element during feather pyrolysis was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptomyces, the main source of antibiotics essential for human health, are widely distributed in nature among terrestrial, oceanic and atmospheric environments. New trends in antibiotic discovery are focused in the search for novel bioactive strains in unexplored habitats. We provide here evidence of the presence of diverse Streptomyces populations in wild bird feathers, such as the seagull, Larus michahellis, collected at Northern Spain; the sparrow, Passer domesticus, and the hoopoe, Upupa epops, both collected in Southern Spain. Taxonomic identification of fourteen bioactive strains, by sequencing their 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analyses, revealed that all of them are homologous to a total of 10 different Streptomyces. Strains from seagull samples are homologous to other antibiotic producers previously isolated from atmospheric, marine and terrestrial environments in the Cantabrian Sea region, Northern Spain. Isolates form Southern feather samples, from a house sparrow and a Eurasian hoopoe, are homologues to Streptomyces strains previously isolated mainly from soils along the Mediterranean region. The most relevant feature is that they are producers of diverse antibiotics with activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. We report here the successful activation of silent antibiotic biosynthetic pathways in response to changes in environmental conditions, such as incubation temperature and salinity of the culture medium, in agreement with the OSMAC approach, One Strain Many Compounds. The finding of bioactive Streptomyces in bird's plumage might be of relevance, not only in the ecology of Streptomyces-birds associations, but also in medicine and biotechnology since they can be regarded as a potential source for novel antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-linking of structural proteins is critical for establishing the mechanical stability of the epithelial compartments of the skin and skin appendages. The introduction of isopeptide bonds between glutamine and lysine residues depends on catalysis by transglutaminases and represents the main protein cross-linking mechanism besides the formation of disulfide bonds. Here, we used a fluorescent labeling protocol to localize the activity of transglutaminases on thin sections of the integument and its appendages in mammals and birds. In human tissues, transglutaminase activity was detected in the granular layer of the epidermis, suprabasal layers of the gingival epithelium, the duct of sweat glands, hair follicles and the nail matrix. In the skin appendages of chickens, transglutaminase activity was present in the claw matrix, the feather follicle sheath, the feather sheath and in differentiating keratinocytes of feather barb ridges. During chicken embryogenesis, active transglutaminase was found in the cornifying epidermis, the periderm and the subperiderm. Transglutaminase activity was also detected in the filiform papillae on the tongue of mice and in conical papillae on the tongue of chickens. In summary, our study reveals that transglutaminase activities are widely distributed in integumentary structures and suggests that transglutamination contributes to the cornification of hard skin appendages such as nails and feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During flight, vibrations potentially cause aerodynamic instability and noise. Besides muscle control, the intrinsic damping in bird feathers helps to reduce vibrations. The vanes of the feathers play a key role in flight, and they support feathers' aerodynamic function through their interlocked barbules. However, the exact mechanisms that determine the damping properties of the vanes remain elusive. Our aim was to understand how the structure of the vanes on a microscopic level influences their damping properties. For this purpose, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to explore the vane's microstructure. High-speed videography (HSV) was used to record and analyze vibrations of feathers with zipped and unzipped vanes upon step deflections parallel or perpendicular to the vane plane. The results indicate that the zipped vanes have higher damping ratios. The planar surface of the barbs in zipped vanes is responsible for aerodynamic damping, contributing 20%–50% to the whole damping in a feather. To investigate other than aerodynamic damping mechanisms, the structural and material damping, experiments in vacuum were performed. High damping ratios were observed in the zipped vanes, even in vacuum, because of the structural damping. The following structural properties might be responsible for high damping in feathers: (i) the intact planar surface, (ii) the interlocking of barbules, and (iii) the foamy inner material of the barb's medulla. Structural damping is another factor demonstrating 3.3 times (at vertical deflection) and 2.3 times (at horizontal deflection) difference in damping ratio between zipped and unzipped feathers in vacuum. The shaft and barbs filled with gradient foam are thought to increase the damping in the feather further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A major portion of poultry feather waste is constituted by keratin, which is recalcitrant to degradation by common proteases. Feather waste contributes to a significant volume of biowaste load to the environment. Valorization of these wastes into various products has been attempted by many researchers. The present study aimed to produce peptides (molecular weight < 10 kDa) from feather waste by the action of keratinolytic bacteria or keratinase enzyme and to screen the peptides for pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties. The feathers were subjected to hydrolysis by using locally isolated keratinolytic microorganisms, namely Streptomyces tanashiensis-RCM-SSR-6, Bacillus sp. RCM-SSR-102, and purified keratinase enzyme KER-102. Results: The feather keratin hydrolysate obtained by hydrolysis with different bacterial species/enzymes showed different protein profiles in SDS-PAGE. As indicated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, a difference was observed in the composition of a-helix and b-sheet in the peptides produced by different microbial/enzymatic methods. The peptides were screened for antioxidant potential, antityrosinase property, and inhibitory activity against angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), lipoxygenase, and xanthine oxidase. The peptides showed promising results in all the assays, except peptide-102 that did not show ACE inhibitory activity. Interestingly, the crude peptide-6 (4.06 lg/mL) and peptide- 102 (10.21 lg/mL) showed a lower EC50 value than the standard Kojic acid (27.04 lg/mL) in antityrosinase assay. Conclusions: Degradation of chicken feather waste with microbial or enzymatic method is an eco-friendly approach to yield diverse bioactive peptides. Hence, the present study established that feather keratin could be a potential source of many health-beneficial peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the French Mediterranean plain, the northern extreme of its native range, the Iberian gray shrike, Lanius meridionalis, predominantly feeds on arthropods. Its type of loral plumage plays a key role in protecting its eyes while transporting large prey. The aims are to understand the role played by feathers in protecting the animal from various types of defensive prey. I combine an inspection of large insect prey types found on larders with a review of bird specimens found in museum collections to examine the morphometric characteristics of rictal feathers and culmen. In addition, precision photographs are used to observe the posture of the plumage in natura. I could identify four categories of protective feathers: clustered bristles, semi‐bristles, semi‐plumes distributed in the loral area, and semi‐plumes above the eyes. My results suggest that the Iberian gray shrike has a complex structure of loral feathers, specific to its foraging activity and prey types. The presence of these rictal bristles is probably a protection against the movements of larger prey items, which might damage loral zone of Lanius meridionalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The procurement of blood and tissue samples for DNA extraction in avian species intended for molecular studies is associated with the induction of discomfort and pain in the subjects, compounded by practical challenges in application and ethical considerations. Consequently, feathers have emerged as a more prevalent source for molecular investigations, particularly in the fields of poultry and ornithology. However, the effective extraction of DNA from feathers necessitates the breakdown of the hard keratinized tissue within the feather structure. This study aimed to devise a highly efficient, cost-effective, and easily adaptable Modified Phenol–Chloroform (MPC) approach for genomic DNA extraction from feathers, addressing shortcomings identified in previous studies on feather-based DNA isolation. The MPC method was employed to extract genomic DNA from feather samples obtained from six distinct avian species (chicken, guinea fowl, canary, pigeon, emu, and goose). Comparative evaluation of DNA isolation efficiency was conducted by employing two different commercial DNA kits alongside the MPC method. The results showed significantly higher DNA concentrations (ng/ml) from chicken feathers using the MPC method compared to those obtained with commercial kits (p < 0.05), along with high DNA purity (1.83 ± 0.11). Subsequent PCR experiments, employing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA-specific primers, illustrated the effective amplification of short and long fragments from MPC-isolated DNA samples. In contrast to commercial kits, the findings underscore the successful application of the MPC method in isolating high-quality genomic DNA from feathers characterized by elevated keratin content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geotextiles are used for separation, drainage, filtration and anti-erosion protection sealing, as well as to improve plant vegetation conditions. The research objective of this study was to verify the influence of the addition of poultry feathers on accelerating the biodegradation of nonwovens in cultivated soil. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions and were based on the assessment of weight loss. The experiments confirmed the positive effects of the presence of waste that was rich in keratin on the time required for the biodegradation of the tested materials (the period of biodegradation was 8–24 weeks). Additionally, the influence of the biodegradation of the tested materials on the ecotoxicity was investigated and showed no negative effects on the microbiological activity (106 cfu). The research also included the determination of the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the test medium (blank, 12–14:1; with feather addition, 19–20:1). A statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the mechanical properties and the period of biological decomposition. This research was an important step for the management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could be seen an alternative that meets all ecological criteria, which seems to be a golden solution that not only allows the delivery of important nutrients to the soil, but also manages waste in an environmentally safe manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study seeks to test the effect of burial/exposure, sediment type, the addition of feather-degrading microbes, and the addition of minerals on feather preservation, and for the first time, compares these states in ambient vs. elevated CO2 atmospheres to test the effect of CO2 on degradation and/or preservation under various depositional settings. The exceptional preservation of feathers in the fossil record has led to a better understanding of both phylogeny and evolution. Here we address factors that may have contributed to the preservation of feathers in ancient organisms using experimental taphonomy. We show that the atmospheres of the Mesozoic, known to be elevated in both CO2 and with temperatures above present levels, may have contributed to the preservation of these soft tissues by facilitating rapid precipitation of hydroxy- or carbonate hydroxyapatite, thus outpacing natural degradative processes. Data also support that that microbial degradation was enhanced in elevated CO2, but mineral deposition was also enhanced, contributing to preservation by stabilizing the organic components of feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex determination of of straw-headed bulbul offspring was carried out from 27 offspring's plucked feather samples in a captive breeding program. Using direct PCR, this study provided more evidences that feather samples are reliable as a source of DNA for non-invasive and effective molecular sexing. The study also revealed that the offspring sex ratio of straw-headed bulbul was slightly inclined towards males, but there was no significant difference from the value of 0.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry industry produces millions of tons of feathers waste that can be transformed into valuable products through bioprocess. The study describes the enhanced keratinase and feather hydrolysate production by Bacillus subtilis AMR. The metabolism of each microorganism is unique, so optimization tools are essential to determine the best fermentation parameters to obtain the best process performance. The evaluation of different propagation media indicated the constitutive production of two keratinases of approximately 80 kDa. The combination of Mn2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ at 0.5 mM improved the keratinolytic activity and feather degradation 1.5-fold, while Cu2+ inhibited the enzymatic activity completely. Replace yeast extract for sucrose increased the feather hydrolysate production three times. The best feather concentration for hydrolysate production was 1.5% with an inoculum of 108 CFU/mL and incubation at 30 °C. None of the inorganic additional nitrogen sources tested increased hydrolysate production, although (NH4)2SO4 and KNO3 improved enzymatic activity. The optimization process improved keratinolytic activity from 205.4 to 418.7 U/mL, the protein concentration reached 10.1 mg/mL from an initial concentration of 3.9 mg/mL, and the feather degradation improved from 70 to 96%. This study characterized keratinase and feather hydrolysate production conditions offering valuable information for exploring and utilizing AMR keratinolytic strain for feather valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As archaeological evidence shows, the earliest feather hand fans were not from China, but spread north from Sudan to New Kingdom Egypt. They reached Greece in the 400 s b.c. and Italy a century later. By about a. d. 200, feather fans spread eastward from Africa to China along Indian Ocean trade routes. This spread of feather fans across Afro-Eurasia was accompanied by shifting cultural associations. Early African and Southwest Asian ostrich and peacock feather fans seem to have symbolized rebirth. As imported luxury objects in Greece and Rome (as in the Americas), fans signified wealth and sophistication. But at both ends of the Silk Road, in China and Europe, feather fans also stood in for the suspect foreign immigrant. In Renaissance Europe, fans still represented resurrection and sophistication, but after the Reformation, fans lost their connection to rebirth, and instead developed Orientalist, feminizing connotations that supported powerful colonial and commercial interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are pigments responsible for most bright yellow, red, and orange hues in birds. Their distribution has been investigated in avian plumage, but the evolution of their expression in skin and other integumentary structures has not been approached in detail. Here, we investigate the expression of carotenoid‐consistent coloration across tissue types in all extant, nonpasserine species (n = 4022) and archelosaur outgroups in a phylogenetic framework. We collect dietary data for a subset of birds and investigate how dietary carotenoid intake may relate to carotenoid expression in various tissues. We find that carotenoid‐consistent expression in skin or nonplumage keratin has a 50% probability of being present in the most recent common ancestor of Archosauria. Skin expression has a similar probability at the base of the avian crown clade, but plumage expression is unambiguously absent in that ancestor and shows hundreds of independent gains within nonpasserine neognaths, consistent with previous studies. Although our data do not support a strict sequence of tissue expression in nonpasserine birds, we find support that expression of carotenoid‐consistent color in nonplumage integument structures might evolve in a correlated manner and feathers are rarely the only region of expression. Taxa with diets high in carotenoid content also show expression in more body regions and tissue types. Our results may inform targeted assays for carotenoids in tissues other than feathers, and expectations of these pigments in nonavian dinosaurs. In extinct groups, bare‐skin regions and the rhamphotheca, especially in species with diets rich in plants, may express these pigments, which are not expected in feathers or feather homologues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodic patterns form intricate arrays in the vertebrate anatomy, notably the hair and feather follicles of the skin, but also internally the villi of the gut and the many branches of the lung, kidney, mammary and salivary glands. These tissues are composite structures, being composed of adjoined epithelium and mesenchyme, and the patterns that arise within them require interaction between these two tissue layers. In embryonic development, cells change both their distribution and state in a periodic manner, defining the size and relative positions of these specialized structures. Their placement is determined by simple spacing mechanisms, with substantial evidence pointing to a variety of local enhancement/lateral inhibition systems underlying the breaking of symmetry. The nature of the cellular processes involved, however, has been less clear. While much attention has focused on intercellular soluble signals, such as protein growth factors, experimental evidence has grown for contributions of cell movement or mechanical forces to symmetry breaking. In the mesenchyme, unlike the epithelium, cells may move freely and can self-organize into aggregates by chemotaxis, or through generation and response to mechanical strain on their surrounding matrix. Different modes of self-organization may coexist, either coordinated into a single system or with hierarchical relationships. Consideration of a broad range of distinct biological processes is required to advance understanding of biological pattern formation. This article is part of the theme issue 'Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing's theory of morphogenesis'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable isotope techniques can be used to assess nutrient acquisition and allocation strategies used to produce offspring. Before stable isotope techniques can be employed, researchers need reliable isotope discrimination values. In this context, isotope discrimination compares the difference in the isotope ratio between the maternal–offspring tissue that occurs during nutrient transfer prior to egg laying. Currently, isotope discrimination values are unknown between the maternal blood constituents – that reflect different temporal scales of integration – and downy feathers of their offspring. In this study, we experimentally derive isotope discrimination relationships between maternal diet–blood constituents for egg laying, and between maternal blood constituents–down feathers of offspring in an experiment with 3 types of domesticated gallinaceous birds raised on known diets. Our experiment is the first to report isotope discrimination values for maternal blood constituents–down of offspring in avian taxa and provides a new sampling technique that is less invasive than previously available as collecting down does not require sampling viable eggs or individuals. Future researchers can use these results to assist in identifying nutrient sources used by adult birds to produce young. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited direct empirical evidence to evaluate the efficacy of using opportunistically found bird carcasses as proxies for estimating pollutant exposure in populations of live birds for avian ecotoxicology studies. In this study, we analyzed total mercury concentrations in feathers collected from live Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) chicks and from Gentoo Penguin chick carcasses found at the same breeding colonies. Distributions of mercury concentrations for feathers from live-caught chicks and from found-dead chicks broadly overlap and, for our study, feathers from found-dead penguin chicks provide similar information about exposure to mercury as do feathers from live penguin chicks from the same locations. Our results suggest that, when mercury is estimated to be below adverse effect levels, the common practice of sampling from opportunistically found chick carcasses is a suitable and less-invasive alternative method of specimen collection in penguin colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental contaminant that accumulates in the organs and tissues of seabirds at concentrations capable of causing acute or long‐term adverse health effects. In the present study, Hg concentrations in Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) egg membranes and chick feathers served as a proxy for Hg bioavailability in the marine environment surrounding the northern Antarctic Peninsula. Stable isotopes were measured in conjunction with Hg to infer information regarding feeding habits (δ15N, diet/trophic level; δ13C, foraging habitat). The Hg concentrations were low relative to toxicity benchmark values associated with adverse health effects in birds and ranged between 0.006 and 0.080 µg g–1 dry weight (n = 65) in egg membranes and 0.140 to 1.05 µg g–1 fresh weight (n = 38) in feathers. Egg membrane δ15N signatures suggested that females from different breeding colonies had similar diets consisting of lower and higher trophic prey prior to arrival to breeding grounds. In contrast, δ15N signatures in feathers indicated that chick diet varied by colony. The Hg concentrations demonstrated significant positive relationships with δ15N, providing support for the hypothesis of Hg biomagnification up the food chain. The δ13C signatures in both tissue types provided evidence of foraging habitat segregation among populations. The differences in Hg exposure and foraging ecology suggest that each colony has localized foraging behaviors by breeding adults that warrant additional investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2791–2801. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black carpet beetle (BCB) is a household pest unique in its ability to digest complex proteins such as keratin that makes up the majority of feather structure. Despite voluminous yield and high protein content (> 85%), feathers are poorly digested by most known organisms and are thereby rendered an environmental hazard. Furthermore, keratinolytic microbial strains are typically thermophilic and therefore economically and environmentally unsustainable. Given the BCB's ability to digest wool, feathers, and other keratin-rich materials, we assembled a de novo transcriptome of larvae fed on either feathers or standard chow. All proteolytic enzymes were identified via homology to the MEROPS database and subsequently annotated for a complete overview of enzymatic activity and distribution of peptidase clans in the transcriptome. Both differential expression and sequence homology screening were then used to identify potentially keratinolytic candidates from the assembly to be used in future expression experiments. The BCB transcriptome showed a high proportion of serine (22.6%) and cysteine (18.9%) proteases as well as metallopeptidases (25.5%) compared with other insect species. Regarding differential expression, serine and metalloproteases represented a large proportion of upregulated genes in the feather-fed group, constituting 42.9% and 57.1% of upregulated proteases, respectively. Additionally, several candidate transcripts identified through homology screening showed significant sequence overlap to seven existing keratinases, indicating a strong likelihood of keratinolytic function in this organism. Key points: • A de novo transcriptome of black carpet beetle larvae was assembled. • The transcriptome consisted of 67% of serine, cysteine, and metalloproteases. • Differential transcriptomes of beetles fed feather and chow were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total number of 492 one day old Mule ducklings, obtained from a commercial duck hatchery were used to elucidate the effect of feather colour on productive performance (body weight, body weight gain, mortality and defect percentage), carcass traits and ileum histology. According to the feather colour birds were sorted into four phenotypic groups; first group with 151 black feathered (BF) ducklings, second group with 173 white - black feather (WBF) ducklings, a third group with 132 dark brown feathers (DBF) ducklings and the fourth group with 36 light brown feather (LBF) ducklings. Results revealed that the BF ducks had significantly heavier body weight at 1 and 3 weeks of age compared to LBF, however the body weight of the WBF and DBF ducks was intermediate. At marketing age the differences in body weight among phenotypes were not significant. The DBF ducks had the lowest relative dressed carcass and edible meat parts compared to other phenotypes. Histological examination of ileum sections showed considerable increase in intestinal villi length and width accompanied by changes in the crypts of Lieberkuhn depth, between BF and WBF colour. It is concluded that duckling's feather colour may be used as a practical tool to predict the productive performance such as growth performance and carcass traits of ducks at marketing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to analyze the legal possibility of adopting the chemical castration of perpetrators of crimes of a sexual nature against children or adolescents, the conducts framed as pedophilia. Among the authors researched for the construction of the theoretical and conceptual framework of this work, the following stand out: Szklarz (2005), Heide (2007), Mendes et al, (2015), Almeida (2017). Legislative research sources were also highlighted, notably the Federal Constitution (BRAZIL, 1988), the Brazilian Penal Code (BRAZIL, 1940) and the Child and Adolescent Statute (BRAZIL, 1990). The methodology used was the descriptive and exploratory research, having as sources the data collection the bibliographic and documentary survey. The most relevant conclusion is that in the current Brazilian constitutional order, given the Dignity of the Human Person and the prohibition on the application of cruel dishes, chemical castration could not be used as a penalty, only as a voluntary treatment by the convict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial-inoculated phospho-feather compost (PIFRM) was manufactured by inoculating Arthrobacter ureafaciens K10 and Streptomyces sp. CP3 into compost composed of spent mushroom waste (SMW), duck feathers (DF), pitaya pruning waste (PPW) and rock phosphate. PIFRM was slightly acidic; carbon to nitrogen ratio was 11.1; electric conductivity (EC) (1:10) was 5.5 dS m−1; bulk density (BD) was 0.3 g cm−3, and germination index (GI) was 164.7%. Seven culture media: PIFRM, coconut fiber (CF), coconut fiber mixed with PIFRM in a 1:1 volume ratio (CF-PIFRM 1:1), coconut fiber mixed with PIFRM in a 3:1 volume ratio (CF-PIFRM 3:1), peat (P), peat mixed with PIFRM in a 1:1 volume ratio (P-PIFRM 1:1) and peat mixed with PIFRM in a 3:1 volume ratio (P-PIFRM 3:1) were evaluated for the production of two melon harvests without additional fertilization. The highest fruit weight and total soluble solids (TSS) obtained in the first cultivation cycle was from treatment with CF-PIFRM 1:1. Fruit weight significantly decreased in treatment with CF-PIFRM 3:1, due to high potassium to calcium ratio (7.1) in the medium. In the second cultivation cycle, commercially viable fruit was only produced in planted PIFRM. PIFRM possessed stability and long-lasting fertility, and can be used as culture medium or medium component to decrease fertilizer input and increase melon fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wing area, wing loading, and aspect ratio are key variables for studies of avian comparative ecology, despite the complexity of measuring wing characteristics in living and museum specimens. The systematic databases of feather photographs available on the Internet may offer an alternative way of obtaining such morphometric data. Here, we evaluate whether measurements of scanned feathers from web photograph databases may offer reliable estimates of avian morphometry.Published data on wing area were obtained for 317 bird species and feather measurements from web photograph databases for 225 of them. A variable termed "lift generation area," a proxy for wing area, was calculated for each species on the basis of the mean length of the five distal secondary feathers and wingspan data from literature. The fit between this proposed variable and data extracted from the literature was examined by correlation, employing linear regression to explore the lack of fit among species."Lift generation area" proved to be highly informative as a proxy for wing area for the study species as a whole (R2 >.98). Discrepancies observed between species were strongly negatively associated with the size of the original sample used to calculate wing area (p =.001) and, to a lesser extent, with bird size (p =.023), but not with aspect ratio. It was also found that the mean value of the mismatch between "lift generation area" and wing area (13.1%) among the study species as a whole was of similar magnitude to that found between sources of bibliographic wing area data for the 64 species for which two published estimates of this variable were available (15.3%).We conclude that measurements made from feather photograph databases are reliable for use in studies of avian comparative ecology, enabling the inclusion of biomechanical parameters of many more species than featured at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic materials have become a necessity of human life especially in the packaging of food commodities and biomedical procedures. Bioplastic is emerging as an effective alternative to fossil oil-based materials to avoid the environmental hazards of the plastic industry. During this study, chicken feathers were used as a substrate to isolate keratin degrading bacteria. Among 14 identified isolates, Bacillus sp BAM3 was found to be the most promising isolate. Partial 16S rDNA analysis-based molecular characterization revealed it is a strain of Bacillus cereus. Bacillus sp BAM3 can grow and produce keratinase in feathers containing basal medium as the sole carbon and energy source. The maximum keratinase production (730U/ml) was achieved within 24 h under optimum reaction conditions. The optimized reaction pH and temperature were noted as 9.0 and 50 °C for crude keratinase activity, respectively. The chicken feathers were used as a substrate in 2, 5, and 10 wt% glycerol to synthesize keratin-based bioplastic with keratinolytic bacterium Bacillus cereus BAM3. Bioplastic prepared from keratin with 2% of glycerol was found to possess good mechanical properties. Therefore, the results present a novel keratinolytic isolate of Bacillus cereus BAM3, which may have potential biotechnological applications in keratin hydrolysis processes. The development of keratin-based bioplastics possessing superior crystalline morphology requires further investigations to substitute fossil oil-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 71‐year‐old non‐smoker woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of a six‐month history of dry cough. She had kept java sparrow for nine years and has been raising budgerigars for the previous eight months. High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of the chest revealed reticulonodular lesions predominantly in the bilateral upper lobes. Surgical lung biopsy specimens showed non‐caseous epithelioid cell granulomas in the alveolar spaces, including irregular and centrilobular fibrosis with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis. When she started using a duck feather duvet at home, she developed dyspnoea and chest HRCT abnormalities progressively deteriorated. The results of precipitation of antibodies against duck feather, java sparrow, and budgerigars dropping extracts were positive in sera. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed as having chronic bird fancier's lung with acute exacerbation caused by the use of a feather duvet. After combination treatments with corticosteroid and cyclosporine, her respiratory symptoms and reticulonodular shadow immediately improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, birds and their feathers have had different symbolic meanings in various cultures. Bird is a sacred being under Tengri for the Turks. Birds and their feathers, which were sacred in the Old Turkish religion, symbolically referred to God, blessedness, rising and going up before and after Islam. A continuity can be observed in the beliefs about birds in Turkish culture. These characteristics of the birds continued in symbolic meanings with their different organs. In the Turks, the feathers attached on the headwear of men, women and children and bridles attract attention as a tradition continuing from the pre-Islamic period till today. Bird is among the animals whose form the shaman takes in rituals. One of the signs of the alps that constituted a significant class in the Turkish history is feather. In the Turks, feather was used as a sign of dominance and rank before and after Islam. In today's Turkish world, headwears with a feather are used as a sign of single girls and brides. Moreover, feathers are attached on the baby and circumcision cap to be protected against the evil eye. It is seen that the tradition in Turks has not been studied in academic publications as a whole. In this study, an attempt was made to comparatively investigate the origin, symbolic meanings, ways of use and historical continuity of the tradition of feather attachment on headwears, flags and bridles within the Turkish cultural history. As a method, firstly, the place and importance of bird and feather in different cultures were examined. Then, the use of bird feathers in Turks has been classified chronologically according to headgear types. As a result of study, due to its meanings such as dominance, bravery, rank, courage, derivation, ornament, luck, blessing, blessedness and protection, it is understood that this tradition is of religious origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird wing shape is highly correlated with mobility, and vagile species have more pointed wing tips than sedentary ones. Most studies of bird wing shape are biased to the Northern Hemisphere, and consider only two migratory syndromes (north–south migrants or sedentary species). There are major gaps in knowledge about the wing shapes of different taxa with other movement strategies (e.g. nomads) in the Southern Hemisphere. Parrots are a prominent Southern Hemisphere bird order with complex movement patterns, but their wing shapes are mostly unstudied. We test whether three metrics of wing shape of grass parrots (Neophema and Neopsephotus spp.) correspond to their purported migration syndromes (and other factors). We show that two strongly migratory grass parrots and an arid‐adapted nomad had pointed wings, with flight feathers longer distally and shorter proximally. However, purportedly sedentary species overlapped extensively with migrants and nomads in all aspects of wing shape. Taxonomic relationships, purported migratory syndromes and ecological barriers did not explain the variation we recorded. The most distantly related species (Neopsephotus) had most dissimilar wing shape to the others, but broadly conformed to the expectations of long pointed wings of a nomad. Why purportedly sedentary grass parrots had unexpectedly pointed wings is unclear. We propose the hypothesis that this wing shape may persist in sedentary populations if individuals experience strong but intermittent selection to disperse when environmental conditions are poor. If pointed wings are not costly during good times when individuals are sedentary, this wing shape may persist in populations as a 'back up' in bad times. Our study highlights the interesting migration patterns in the Southern Hemisphere that remain largely unstudied. Wing shape offers an interesting way to identify potentially undiscovered capacity for movement in data deficient species, which may also have implications for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil samples were collected from the feather dumped area where Bacillus pumilus was isolated and used for keratinase production and keratinolytic activity. In the optimization study, optimal condition for enzyme production was observed at 144 h, pH 7, temperature 37°C. The organism was utilized for feather degradation study. The maximum degradation of 57% was obtained at 37°C, pH 7 and 6 days incubation. The size of keratinase was determined by SDS- PAGE and was observed as 52 KDa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Keratin filaments were developed from poultry feather wastes. • Dual-functional dithiols endow filaments with higher ductility than feathers. • Filament regeneration potentially creates more than 100-billion-dollar revenue. • Poultry wastes can be substantially reduced. Technology for the transformation of waste feathers to quality regenerated filaments has been developed. Regardless of superior properties of natural keratin materials, previously developed regenerated materials from keratin had tensile properties much lower than their natural counterparts due to backbone hydrolysis and inefficient reconstruction of disulfide crosslinkages. In this work, tough keratin filaments have been regenerated from white duck feathers via efficient restoration of disulfide crosslinkages using a dithiol reducing agent. Dithiol substantially reserves free thiol groups in the extraction and formed lengthy intermolecular crosslinkages in regenerated keratin filaments. Due to the high degree of intermolecular reconstruction of disulfide bonds and formation of lengthy crosslinkages via dithiol chain-extension, the keratin filaments exhibited considerable improvements in mechanical properties, especially for ductility and water stability. The tenacity and elongation at break were 160.7 MPa and 14%, respectively. The filaments retained about 80% of the tenacity of natural feathers at either dry or wet conditions and demonstrated stretchability 150% higher than natural feathers. The fiber regeneration technology makes it possible to substitute primary fiber sources by renewable poultry feathers. Successful filament substitution or addition can bring more than 88-billion-dollar revenue. The technology not only contributes to a sustainable fiber and poultry industry but adds substantial values to poultry feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]