Livestock death is normal in any farm operation whether due
to unfortunate events or diseases but what is crucial is handling the carcasses
of dead livestock to prevent the spread of diseases that may affect other
living animals, pets and the public. The environment is also a concern since
improper management in the disposal of animal carcasses may cause contamination
of soil and groundwater. There are many different methods of animal carcass
disposal but it is important to consider which is the most feasible in view of
the stringent regulations for managing mortality. Since open-fire burning and
burial may not be allowed, animal incineration can be a good option for animal
carcass disposal.
What is animal
incineration?
Since most states prohibit open-air pyres from an aesthetic
and environmental point of view, animal incineration becomes a better option
for quick disposal of animal carcasses. Through animal incineration, the
carcasses are burned to a point where the resulting end-product is residual
ash. Commercial incinerators come in various models and capacities to
accommodate different sizes of animals and loading rates. The use of commercial
incinerators provides the advantages of bio-secure disposal of animal carcasses
without the drawbacks of potential soil and groundwater contamination. Animal
incinerators are built with the farm producers in mind since burial of animal
carcasses and rendering might not be the most feasible options.
Why rendering is not
a feasible option
Rendering used to be the preferred option for disposal of
animal carcasses since dead livestock are essentially without value and through
rendering the carcasses can be converted into useful products like soaps and
washing powders with commercial value. Rendering involves pickup through
specially designated vehicles to be delivered at the facility for processing.
However, developments in recent years have made rendering as virtually
non-existent as a disposal option since independent rendering facilities lack
timely pickup services for distant locations like rural areas. In many areas,
rendering facilities are also limited and declining due to increased costs and
bio-security risks in transporting dead carcasses. The rendering market has
also changed in recent years since the prices of meat and bone meals have
decreased and the byproducts of rendering have been eliminated due to the
threats on the transmission of BSE or mad cow disease.
Why burial is not
always the best method for carcass disposal
Burial is the most common method of carcass disposal but it
poses risks of groundwater contamination if the burial site is not carefully
prepared and selected. For example, areas with sandy and gravely soil and
shallow ground water table cannot be used as burial sites. It should be away
from residential communities, drinking water wells or areas that are prone to
flooding. If the ground is frozen, digging a trench can pose a serious problem
and since local regulations require that animal carcasses should be disposed as
soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases, animal incineration becomes
a better option. In addition, anthrax-infected carcasses and hogs that have
died from cholera or swine erysipelas have to be incinerated or if buried, it
should be at least 6 feet deep.
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