Production of Microbial Biomass Protein by Arachniotus ruber using Banana Peel and its Biological Evaluation in Broiler Chicks

The major issue of the developing countries, i.e. malnutrition, results from intake of diet deficient in proteins. The problem can be resolved by searching for novel and cheap protein sources. Bioconversion of inexpensive fruit waste to an economical product like microbial protein can be useful in the present situation. The aim of the present study was to enhance the crude protein content of banana peels by Arachniotus ruber under solid state fermentation for utilization in broiler feed. Different physicochemical parameters were optimized to increase the yield. Biological evaluation was carried out by replacing 25 and 50% of sunflower meal in broiler feed with the biomass protein. Different parameters e.g.: weight gain, feed efficiency, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were recorded. The optimum conditions to achieve highest amount of crude protein (15.8%) on fermentation of banana peels was 1:1.5 substrate water ratio, 2mL inoculum volume, pH 4 after 72 hours of incubation time. Addition of glucose (0.5%), corn steep liquor (0.25%) and MgSO4 (0.05%) enhanced the yield. Outcome of the study revealed that biomass protein produced, can replace up to 50% of the protein supplied by sunflower meal with the positive effect on weight gain of the chicks.