Abstract:[Objective] Bovine bones contain a large amount of beneficial nutrients such as proteins,mineral salts,and vitamins for human health.With the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio meeting the optimal absorption ratio for the human body,bovine bones serve as a valuable nutrient source.[Methods] lactic acid bacteria with high yields of l-lactic acid were screened by the calcium-dissolving ring method and the performance of strains in l-lactic acid production was then determined via fermentation of bovine bone meal.Metabolomics was employed to explore the differential metabolites and main pathways during the fermentation.[Results] One strain LP15,identified as Lactobacillus plantarum,was isolated from the liquid sample in the production of sour bamboo shoots for its strong ability to produce l-lactic acid.After fermentation of bone meal for 96 h,the strain produced 3.89 g/L l-lactic acid and 69.82 mg/100 mL free calcium,which represented a 32.6-fold increase compared with that in the control group.The metabolomic analysis revealed ABC transporters,metabolic pathway,and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites as the most important differential metabolic pathways during the fermentation of bovine bone meal.Meanwhile,a huge number of physiological active substances,such as cyclocreatine and 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutyric acid,were detected in the fermented bone meal.[Conclusion] Fermentation of bovine bone meal by L.plantarum LP15 is an effective strategy to promote calcium dissolution and produce beneficial active substances.This study lays a practical foundation for developing health food products by microbial fermentation of bovine bone meal.