Best Management Practices - Carcass Disposal

Alternative Methods

The Board of Animal Health may permit alternative methods of carcass disposal that are effective for the protection of public health and the control of livestock diseases.

ALL ALTERNATIVE METHODS REQUIRE A PERMIT FROM THE BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH. (612) 296-2942

SOME ALTERNATIVE METHODS:

1. PET FOOD PROCESSING.

Requires permit, veterinary inspection of each carcass, facilities and equipment that meet Board of Animal Health specifications.

2. FUR FARM CONSUMPTION.

• Fur farm is required to have a permit and to keep the farm in a sanitary condition.
• Permits allow only the feeding to fur bearing animals that do not re-enter the food chain.
• Owner assumes the risk of a disease or condition in the carcass that could be detrimental to the fur animals.

3. GRINDING AND INJECTING INTO THE MANURE PIT.

• A permit was granted to the University of Minnesota for an experimental project.
• Field trials are being conducted in 1996.
• A disadvantage may be neighbors' perception that the smell from the manure pit is worse because of the carcasses in it.

4. LACTIC FERMENTATION.

Lactic fermentation utilizes a mixture of ground carcasses and a carbohydrate source to produce a "silage" type product for refeeding.

5. EXTRUSION.

Extrusion is a method whereby ground carcasses and a carrier such as soybean meal are cooked under pressure and moisture, generating steam and a product with 12% moisture for refeeding.

6. EMERGENCY, COMMERCIAL OR EXPERIMENTAL COMPOSTING.

• In emergency or catastrophic loss - call the Board of Animal Health for a permit and advice on composting the losses.
• Experimental composting must be in conjunction with a University and requires a permit.
• Cattle and other species may be experimentally composted if the protocol is approved.

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