Composting: A Viable Alternative for Mortality Disposal

This brief composting introduction was written as a guide for on-farm composting of horse mortalities and can assist in designing and troubleshooting composting systems.
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Proper livestock stewardship does not cease when an animal dies. Despite sound management, all horse producers will experience losses due to weather, disease, or other natural causes. Options for carcass disposal are dwindling due to enhanced regulation and decreased availability of rendering services. To address growing environmental and biosecurity concerns, many producers are investigating composting as a viable alternative to more costly options of mortality disposal. Considering the abundance of stockpiled muck, used bedding, and feedstuffs available on many horse farms, composting represents a feasible and effective method of dealing with fallen stock.

Composting is a simple, low-cost disposal method that is environmentally sound and yields a versatile product. The finished material can also be stockpiled and reused to help compost other mortalities. Composting takes advantage of the natural decomposition process conducted by microorganisms and can be controlled under managed conditions. This process reduces the size of carcass material by removing organic products, water, and energy in the form of carbon dioxide, vapor, and heat. In addition, many pathogens are destroyed by the high temperatures and beneficial bacteria generated during the decomposition process, yielding this method of disposal as an approved alternative, according to Kentucky’s Office of the State Veterinarian.

Some producers may be hesitant to adopt this practice on their own farms because they may not have the time or equipment required. However, when done correctly, mortality composting requires minimal labor input and can take advantage of equipment already present on most horse farms. University of Kentucky trials have successfully demonstrated that horse mortalities can be reduced to a few large brittle bones in as little as six weeks. A properly managed pile will not create odors, attract scavengers, or lead to spread of disease.

This brief composting introduction was written as a guide for on-farm composting of horse mortalities and can assist in designing and troubleshooting composting systems

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