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Evaluation of Fungal Strains for Phytase Production Using Palm Kernel Expeller in Solid-State Fermentation

Siti Khairunnisa, A.¹, Mohd Noor Hisham, M. N.¹*, Shamarina, S.¹, Nasyatul Ekma, M. H.² & Noraini, S.²

¹Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
²Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2025 28(1): 61-73

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Phytic acid, a major anti-nutritional factor in plant-based poultry feed, chelates essential minerals and reduces phosphorus bioavailability, leading to increased feed costs and environmental phosphorus loading. This study evaluated three fungal strains Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, and Rhizopus oligosporus for phytase production through solid state fermentation (SSF) using palm kernel expeller (PKE) as a low-cost substrate. Among the tested strains, A. niger exhibited the highest phytase activity (269.67 ± 13.52 FTU/mL), significantly surpassing A. oryzae (145.92 ± 13.55 FTU/mL) and R. oligosporus (88.42 ± 27.05 FTU/mL) (p < 0.05). Maximum enzyme production occurred between Day 3 and Day 4 of incubation, corresponding with peak fungal biomass (0.0557 ± 0.0054 mg/g). These findings demonstrate that A. niger effectively converts PKE, an abundant agro-industrial by-product in Malaysia, into a value-added product for poultry feed applications. Incorporating phytase produced via SSF could reduce reliance on inorganic phosphate supplements, enhance phosphorus digestibility, and mitigate environmental risks associated with phosphorus runoff. This approach supports sustainable poultry production and aligns with global sustainability targets, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The study highlights A. niger as a promising candidate for biotechnological applications in feed formulation, contributing to circular economy practices in the livestock industry.