This study aimed to develop an ectopic fermentation system (EFS) to reduce the pollution of cow wastewater and to provide a basis for the production of biofertilizer with fermentation residues. Six thermophilic strains, three of which have efficient cellulose-degrading abilities and the other have good ammonia-N utilizing abilities, were chosen as the microbial inocula. The results showed that EFS inoculated with microbial consortium brought higher temperature and more wastewater was needed to ensure continuous fermentation. The pH values decreased in the early stage of fermentation, and then increased during the process. It caused increases in total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorous, and total potassium content. Decreases in organic matter content and C/N ratio were also observed. The high level of nutrients indicated the suitability of the paddings after fermentation for agronomic uses. It firstly attempted to combine cow wastewater treatment and bio-organic fertilizer production by EFS with mixed microbial culture. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.