Best Management Practices - Carcass Disposal

Incineration

Incineration is an effective but more costly method, working well as a cold weather alternative.

Advantages

• Can use year-round.
• Biosecurity (No trucks coming from other farms to pick up carcasses).

Disadvantages

• Incinerator cost.
• Fuel cost - expensive.
• Odor.
• Very expensive for larger size carcasses.

Recommendations

• Place your incinerator out of sight or enclosed with a decorative screen
• Consider the wind direction and time of the day, so as to least effect your neighbors.

DO:

• Purchase MPCA Approved incinerator.
• Purchase unit large enough to handle each day's mortality.
• Properly maintain unit.
• Incinerate mortality daily.

DON'T:

• Accumulate carcasses for days before incinerating.
• Incinerate when down wind neighbor is having a barbecue, etc.
• Forget to pay your gas bill.

Public Relations

Most problems from incineration come from the odor of burning hair or feathers that interferes with a neighbor's outdoor activities.

References for more information

• Extension Service - University of Minnesota
  Dr. Sally Noll - (612) 624-4928
  
  
• Minnesota Board of Animal Health
  Dr. Bill Hartmann - (612) 296-2942
  
  
• Minnesota Pollution Control
  (Feed Lot Permits) (612) 296-6300
  
  
• Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
  (Wetlands) (612) 296-4800