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Project in Detail
Background
Objectives
Composting System Tested
Research Methods
Preliminary Results
Project Sponsors & Contacts

Draft Guidelines for Emergency Cattle Mortality Composting

Link to  ISU Swine Mortality Composting Website

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Based on input from the primary project sponsor (Iowa Department of Natural Resources), project objectives were identified in four areas of concern.

Emergency System and Procedures

1. design a livestock mortality composting system and procedures suitable for emergency disposal of full-sized cattle

Composting System Performance

1.  time necessary for complete carcass decay under varying seasonal weather conditions

2. temporal and spatial distribution of internal temperatures

3. relative performance of alternative cover materials

4. deterioration caused by wind and water erosion or animal intrusion

Environmental Impact

1.  quantify air quality (odor) during carcass decomposition

2. measure quantity and quality of leachate produced during composting

3. evaluate soil contamination beneath the composting windrows

Biosecurity

1. test ability of composting windrows to retain viruses and prevent their airborne transmission

2. quantify viral inactivation within the composting process

In Brief

This research is designed to answer the following:

Is composting a feasible alternative for emergency disposal of large numbers of cattle carcasses .......... specifically:

- Can composting be accomplished using equipment and materials typically found on dairy and cattle farms?

- Is composting  reliable during extremely cold, wet, or dry weather?

- Will composting have undesirable effects on air, water, or soil?

-Can composting reliably prevent the spread of animal disease?