Novel plant based formulations for short term preservation of animal skins

摘要

This study presents monitoring at different temperatures and time of animal hides and skins subjected to bacterial degradation. Rate of collagen and non-collagenous protein degradation and microbial population dynamics were found to vary with temperature and storage period. Microorganisms (proteolytic, collagenolytic and keratinolytic) were found responsible for skin deterioration. Acalypha indica based formulation for curing animal skins was found viable, cost-effective and eco-friendly, reducing total dissolved solids (TDS) level to a considerable extent as compared to salt curing methods.