Determination of biochemical characteristics: Catalase, starch hydrolysis and carbohydrate fermentation tests were carried out according to the method described by Harrigan and McCane (1976). Gelatin liquefaction test was determined using the method of Edwards and Ewing (1972). Citrate utilisation test was carried out according to the method of Cruickshank et al. (1975). Hydrogen sulphide production test was carried out by stabbing the butt of Triple Sugar Iron Agar medium with the bacterial cultures and hydrogen sulphide production was detected by the blackening of the butt. Pulcherrimin production test was carried out by culturing the bacterial isolates on Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar and incubating at 35±2 °C for 48 h. The formation of a red pigment indicated pulcherrimin production. Oxygen Status test was conducted by culturing the bacterial isolates on plate count agar and incubating at 35±2 °C for 48 h under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively.