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633-7 <br /> 7. Each carcass used as pet food must pass an inspection by a veterinarian and must be processed under <br /> clean and sanitary conditions. <br /> 8. Carcasses left at an off-site pickup point must be in an animal-proof enclosed area that is at least 200 <br /> yards from a neighbor's buildings. Carcasses must be picked up within 72 hours,except if the enclosed <br /> area is refrigerated to less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit,then the carcasses must be picked up within <br /> seven days. <br /> COMPOSTING <br /> Composting is the process of placing carcasses in layers with a carbon source and manure to allow the <br /> natural heating process to break down the carcass. Composting is allowed for swine,sheep,goats and <br /> poultry. Composting is allowed by permit for cattle,horses and exotic animals. <br /> Advantages <br /> • Biosecurity <br /> • Year-round use <br /> • Inexpensive <br /> • Environmentally sound <br /> • Value-added product to sell or use <br /> • Best and recommended method to handle catastrophic losses <br /> • Heat of composting process kills pathogens and insect larvae <br /> • Done on-site <br /> Disadvantages <br /> • May be more labor intensive <br /> • Requires impervious pad,rot-resistant walls and cover to repel rain <br /> • Takes some practice to develop the"art" <br /> • Requires carbon source(straw,sawdust,cornstalks,etc.) <br /> Recommendations <br /> Composting is an"art"that must be practiced because of the variety in materials,weather conditions and <br /> number of carcasses. It is best to have the same person doing the composting to ensure compost <br /> performance. <br /> Do: <br /> • Follow protocol as specified in Board of Animal Health Rule 1719.4000 <br /> • Process mortality daily <br /> • Keep carcasses covered and at least six inches from sides <br /> • Take and record temperature daily(must reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit) <br /> • Start with a base of carbon source material <br /> • Put carcasses,litter and carbon source in layers <br /> • Mix pile at least one time when the temperature starts to decline;this will generate a new heat cycle <br /> after each mixing <br /> Don't: <br /> • Use frozen carcasses for composting <br /> • Store carcasses before processing <br /> Public Relations <br /> Build composter out of sight and away from neighbors. While a compost pile that is working right will have <br /> no smell and no insects,it may bother neighbors to see carcasses going into it on a daily basis. Convince <br /> your neighbors to use the finished compost for their gardens(before you tell them what is in it). <br /> NRCS-Minnesota <br /> May 2001 <br />