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For many species, carcass composting (i.e., the biological process of converting organic matter into fine-particle humus-like material) is an environmentally preferable method for managing mortalities. When performed correctly, the end-product may be reused in future mortality composting, and under certain conditions, applied to animal feed crops and forest crops. Poultry composting is a common practice and much information is available that describes how to dispose of birds in this way.
Composting is practical for larger carcasses. Many operations, even in cold climates, successfully compost larger stock including sows, cattle and horses. Composting large carcasses can save labor and land. This practice allows a dedicated area to be used and reused for carcass management; it is done above ground, thereby reducing the number of labor-intensive burial pits created as well as minimizing the number of buried carcasses on the property.
Technical procedures on composting cattle carcasses are available and continue to be studied and refined; this appears to be a viable option which will be described further in this manual. Most composting requires storm water protection, and possibly roof-type covering. Additional management and monitoring is required to refine the process, maintain temperatures, attain proper decomposition and prevent scavengers. Nutrients and organic matter in finished carcass compost can benefit forest and crop land; however, nutrient management guidelines should be followed. This publication focuses on aerobic composting in piles or windrows on the soil surface. Other methods do exist and are also continue to be studied.
Well if you live out in the country the vultures take care of the dead bodies almost immediately.
That's true. I used to enjoy watching the turkey vultures trying to snatch scraps underneath the wings of the black vultures, which are much more aggressive. Sometimes there would even be an eagle in the mix.
Ohio stopped removing roadkill some years ago. This includes deer. Plenty of food for wildlife that eat carrion.
I live in Maryland, and while I can't speak for the entire state, the County where I am in Southern Maryland has a couple crews that go around daily picking up roadkill.
Friends in south central Pennsylvania have told me that one of the biggest complaints Maryland expats have after moving there is that roadkill isn't picked up like here.
I live in Maryland, and while I can't speak for the entire state, the County where I am in Southern Maryland has a couple crews that go around daily picking up roadkill.
Friends in south central Pennsylvania have told me that one of the biggest complaints Maryland expats have after moving there is that roadkill isn't picked up like here.
20-25 years ago my wife and were out camping near the Potomac Highlands (WV). We went for a jaunt to find the Fairfax stone / North branch headwaters of the Potomac- so Tucker, Preston counties WV and Grant MD. We made a wrong turn on a dirt road and wound up in a clearing with THOUSANDS of deer skeletons and carcasses piled up. It was an eerie sight.
Even a determined raccoon can topple a trash can, never mind a feral hog.
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