Do dead animals make good compost?

Composting provides an inexpensive alternative for disposal of dead animals in many cases. Composting animal carcasses is not new; chickens, pigs, calves, cows and even whales have been composted. Properly composted material is an acceptable soil amendment for use where public contact is low, such as roadside projects.

Why dead animals should not be included in composting?

If done properly, composting large animal carcasses is an environmentally sound process. If done improperly, it can create nuisance odors for you and your neighbors and pollute the water and soil.

Do dead animals contaminate soil?

Even buried, the carcass can attract vermin. The buried carcasses may continue to produce leachate and gas for many years, contaminating air, soil, and water. Trench burial is not an option for routine poultry mortalities. They may be landfilled, composted, rendered, or incinerated.

Are dead animals good for the soil?

Studies prove that carcasses of dead animals are important for plant growth. Researcher, Dr. Since, carrion of large animals is an extremely nutrient rich, ephemeral resource. The Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve found that the leaving the deceased animals on the ground has had a positive effect on biodiversity.

What is farm animal compost?

Composting is an approved method for disposal of poultry, swine, cattle, horses, sheep, goats and farmed deer. The method you use to compost depends on the carcass size, number of carcasses and space available. In the case of animal deaths due to disease outbreaks, you must take additional biosecurity measures.

How does a dead animal decompose?

Composting. This natural process allows microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi to decompose dead animals into organic matter. Composting is the preferred method on farms; it costs less as piles can be prepared readily with the equipment available on the farm.

Can you use dead animals as fertilizer?

Yes, most definitely. And that is nature’s way of recycling. The best natural fertilisers are animal pee, poop and dead bodies. Just bury the dead bodies (or rotten meat) deep in the soil and they will decay and become splendid plant fertilisers.

How long does it take compost to decompose?

Decomposition will be complete anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned. Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown color, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles.

Are animal corpses good fertilizer?