Mortality Composting Presentation

Abstract

Managing animal tissue is a significant challenge and responsibility in livestock production. Routine and emergency losses of poultry and livestock are significant environmental, biosecurity, and waste management concerns worldwide. Livestock mortality due to barn fires, roof collapses, excess heat/drought, ventilation system failures, and floods impact many livestock operations. Many animals also need to be chemically euthanized due to illness and injury and to avoid suffering. Rendering has been an option for much of this mortality. Due to recent changes, euthanized animals will no longer be accepted in rendering and there are limited alternatives for deadstock in general. Good thermophilic composting rises to the top as one of the best disposal options available. Composting of livestock mortality is a convenient, biosecure, socially acceptable and environmentally responsible method of disposal. This presentation describes what composting is and how to compost livestock mortalities