To clarify the characteristics of thermophilic bacteria in cattle manure compost, enzymatic activity and species diversity of cultivated bacteria were investigated at 54, 60, 63, 66 and 70 degrees C, which were dependent on composting temperature. The highest level of thermophilic bacterial activity was observed at 54 degrees C. Following an increase in temperature to 63 degrees C, a reduction in bacterial diversity was observed. At 66 degrees C, bacterial diversity increased again, and diverse bacteria including Thermus spp. and thermophilic Bacillus spp. appeared to adapt to the higher temperature. At 70 degrees C, bacterial activity measured as superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was significantly higher than at 66 degrees C. However, the decomposition rate of protein in the compost was lower than the rate at 66 degrees C due to the higher compost temperature. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.