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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #101761
Title: COMPOSTING ANIMAL MORTALITY: A RESOURCE NOTEBOOK FOR PRODUCERS AND EDUCATORS

Author
item Carpenter Boggs, Lynne
item PADLA, ROBERT - MN EXTENSION SERVICE
item HEAD, BILL - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item LEMME, GARY - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item SCHARF, MARY ANN - MN EXTENSION SERVICE
item CARTER, DALE - MN EXTENSION SERVICE

Submitted to: University of Minnesota Special Publication
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/8/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Composting has recently been approved by the Minnesota legislature, and an increasing number of states, as a disposal method for livestock mortalities. Disposal of livestock mortality by the traditional means of rendering, burial, or incineration has become increasingly expensive, unreliable, and dangerous. As an alternative, composting mortalities contains costs, the time interval between death and disposal, pathogens, and pollution. This resource notebook was compiled to help producers build and use carcass composting facilities on the farm. The introductory section "Why Compost?" outlines the advantages and disadvantages of all state-approved methods of carcass disposal. Composting may be more labor intensive, especially to get started, but offers the advantages of low cost, biosecurity, and the production of a valuable product - finished compost. Minnesota state regulations are included and summarized, as well as a reminder to check with local officials for county rules and permits. Later chapters describe the science and microbiology of the compost pile, plus needed materials, conditions, and considerations for successful composting. Several instructional booklets from other state universities are included with specific step-by-step instructions for swine, poultry, and ruminants. Use of the finished product is considered in the section on land application of compost. Potential challenges and their solutions are discussed, along with resources for more information, personal contacts, and equipment. This notebook will be distributed to state extension educators and livestock producers.