This study assessed the effects of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in combination with protease on fermentation characteristics and microbial communities during ensiling and aerobic exposure phases of soybean meal (SBM). In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the optimal growth conditions of E. faecalis ZZUPF95, which produced protease, and fermented SBM under the optimal fermentation conditions. The fermentation test was divided into four groups as follows: CK (Control check), ZZUPF95, Protease and ZZUPF95+Protease groups. Results showed that the best medium ratio of ZZUPF95 was glucose 1%, peptone 2%, inorganic salt 1.47%; fermentation time 36 h, inoculation amount 10%, ratio of material to water 1:1 is the optimal fermentation scheme; after fermentation and aerobic exposure treatment, ZZUPF95 and ZZUPF95 + Protease group can reduce the pH of feed, improve the content of lactic acid in the fermentation system, and have the effect of inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, increasing the content of crude protein and ether extract, and degrading crude fiber; the microbial community of SBM were changed after fermentation and aerobic exposure. This study explored the changes of fermentation quality of SBM, which has certain theoretical value to improve the fermentation mode and storage of SBM.
Keywords: fermentation; microbial community; optimization; soybean meal.