Isolation and identification of tannase-producing Aspergillus spp. from poultry droppings

Aim. Tannases have found application in many industries. Aspergillus species are moulds largely isolated from poultry droppings and are major producers of tannase. This study aimed to isolate and identify tannase-producing Aspergillus spp. from poultry droppings. Methods. Samples of poultry droppings were obtained from a poultry farm in Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Aspergillus spp. was isolated according to standard microbiological procedures. The ability of the isolated Aspergillus spp. to utilise tannic acid was assessed through a tannase assay using a standard method. The isolated Aspergillus spp. were identified using morphological characteristics and molecular identification methods. Results. Twenty-one pure fungal isolates were obtained from the poultry droppings, and 17 of them were able to utilise and grow on constituted tannic acid agar with a diameter ranging from 3.5–7.0 cm. Five (5) isolates with the highest tannase activity were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Conclusion. The study concluded that tannase-producing A. fumigatus and A. flavus can be obtained from poultry droppings and may be exploited for tannase production.