Composting Animal Mortalities

Abstract

Disposing of animal mortalities is a natural part of animal agriculture; however, it is not limited to on-farm applications. Meat processors and distributors, the fishing industry, public works and environmental managers also routinely need to dispose of carcasses or other animal by-products. As traditional methods of disposal – burial, incineration and rendering – have lost favor or increased in cost, farmers, butchers and public works departments are finding it increasingly difficult to find biosecure, inexpensive and environmentally safe disposal. Composting is providing another option, at least in North America.