Synergistic Effect of Bacillus subtilis B3 and β-Glucanase on Solid-State Fermentation of Sunflower Meal

Background: Sunflower meal (SFM), a promising feed material, is constrained by its high content of crude fiber (CF) and chlorogenic acid (CGA). Methods: This study utilized a synergistic solid-state fermentation process involving the Bacillus subtilis strain B3 and the enzyme β-glucanase to enhance SFM’s application potential. Results: The synergistic treatment notably reduced CF by 12.7% and CGA by 99.77%, while simultaneously increasing acid-soluble protein and reducing sugar by 111.3% and 283.1%, respectively. Positive impacts on its physical structure, characterized by a looser network with visible pores, and on its microbial community, evidenced by an enriched abundance of fungal species such as Cyberlindnera and Aspergillus, were also observed. In vitro assays indicated improved digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and crude protein, along with a non-significant reduction in methane production. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that microbial-enzymatic synergy effectively enhances SFM’s nutritional profile.