Streptomyces shaoguanensis sp. nov.: elucidating the mechanisms of efficient chicken feather degradation and its potential for biofertilizer development

Here, a novel Streptomyces species strain KK^T with superior feather-degrading efficiency was reported. A wealth of functionally uncharacterized genes and significant biosynthetic potential in the genome of strain KK^T laid a genetic groundwork for the exploration of its novel physiological functions and the discovery of uncharacterized metabolites. Integrative analyses of genomics, transcriptomics, and biochemical profiles of the degradation metabolites, together, uncovered the underlying mechanism of superior feather-degrading capacity. Additionally, the feather hydrolysate demonstrated a significant growth-promoting effect on Pak Choi. This finding provides a solid foundation for the sustainable valorization of feather waste and the development of novel biofertilizers.