A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE C SOURCE INFLUENCE ON LARGE ANIMAL MORTALITY COMPOSTING EFFICACY
Applied Research
Brian Pugh
Area Agronomist
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension
Muskogee
Abstract
Livestock mortality is an issue faced by every livestock farming operation. Improper disposal of animal carcasses can lead to negative public perception, possible contamination of surface and groundwater, and may increase the risk of infectious disease transmission. An on-farm study was conducted to determine the efficacy of 3 bulking agents for composting stocker calf carcasses. The treatments consisted of sawdust (Trt. A), poultry litter with sawdust (Trt. B) and hay (Trt. C) replicated 4 times. Carcasses were placed on the center of an 8 x 8 x 2 ft. pad of bulking agent in each of the 12 compost bins, and completely surrounded with at least 1.5 ft of additional treatment. Temperature was monitored using long-stem thermometers and data loggers. On days 75 and 150, each pile was turned. Samples were collected on day 150 for analysis of pH, EC, moisture content, TN, C, S, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, NH4-N, NO3-N and soluble P. Statistical analyses were performed in SAS, and mean separations were performed by the Paired T method. Significant C reductions were observed in Trts. B and C while significant increases in N were observed for all 3 Trts. Temperature range and mean for Trts. A, B, and C were (62.67 to 149.33; 122.59), (76.33 to 158; 130.19), and (40.67 to 132.67; 90.95), respectively. Treatments A and B formed a humus-like product, maintained temperatures required for effective pathogen kill (above 130°F), and were more effective at decomposing bones when compared to Trt. C.
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Authors: B.C. Pugh, J.B. Payne
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Pugh, B. Extension Educator, Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma, 74462
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Payne, J. Area Extension Animal Waste Management Specialist, Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma, 74401