Development of antibiotic-free feed and demand for high feed protein prompted efforts on technologies associated with the production of biologically treated feed. Soybean meal obtained after oil extraction is commonly used as a protein source for many livestock diets due to its high protein content, balanced amino acid composition, and rich minerals and vitamins. However, soybean meal contains many anti-nutritional factors, decreasing the absorption of nutrients. After microbial fermentation, these anti-nutritional factors can be effectively reduced, and at the same time, active substances such as probiotics and prebiotics can be produced. In order to study the potential synergy effect and economic benefits, a computer model for soybean processing is established based on combined data of industrial soybean oil extraction and solid state fermentation technology. The simulation framework includes soybean preparation and extraction, mixed oil distillation, and fermented soybean meal production. Sensitivity analysis in response to the market value of soybean, soybean oil, and the fermented soybean meal, the source and cost of hexane recycling, and the changes in process kinetics will also be presented.
