A Fixed-Bed Study on the Feedsorption of BSA Using PKC: Toward the Sustainable Agrosorption of Protein-rich Waste for Enhancing Low Nutritional-value Feed

Abstract

Palm Kernel Cake (PKC), a by-product of Malaysia's palm oil industry, stands out as a sustainable and cost-efficient feed ingredient. However, its use is nutritionally limited for monogastric animals due to high fiber content and anti-nutritional factors. This groundbreaking study explores the innovative process of 'feedsorption'—a term we have coined under the broader concept of 'agrisorption'—to enhance the nutritional value of PKC. By adsorbing protein-rich agricultural, poultry, and farm animal wastes, represented by bovine serum albumin (BSA), we aim to elevate PKC's protein content. Through detailed experimentation involving varying bed depths (1 cm to 2 cm) and initial BSA concentrations (100 to 500 µg/mL) within fixed-bed columns, our findings reveal that increased bed depths significantly prolong breakthrough and exhaustion times, highlighting improved adsorption efficiency. Yet, depths beyond 1 cm pose a risk of clogging. Higher BSA concentrations were found to accelerate breakthrough, indicating a stronger driving force capable of overcoming mass transfer resistance. The Modified Dose Response (MDR) model outperformed the Thomas model in accurately predicting breakthrough curves across different conditions. This study not only confirms the feasibility of feedsorption to bolster the nutritional profile of low-quality feed using protein-rich waste but also introduces a promising avenue for enhancing sustainable livestock nutrition.