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7/31/2019 Poultry Wastes
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Composting Poultry Mortalities
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How do we get fromHERE
ToHERE?
Photo by WSU
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Introduction
There are generally two categories of disposalproblems:
(1) Normal mortality, which is typically about0.1 percent per day, but fluctuations up to
0.25 percent per day are not uncommon, and
(2) Whole flock disposal (Catastrophicmortalities).
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Composting is a natural process in whichbeneficial organisms--bacteria and fungi--
reduce and transform organic wastes into a
useful end product--compost--which can be
used as a fertilizer and soil amendment.
Composting is not recommended for whole
flock disposal cases. Such cases require specialpermission and supervision.
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Composting
Composting is a biological process that utilizes
thermophilic microorganisms to degrade
organic matter into humus-like material
called: compost.
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Composting Facts
Compost: stable organic material withearthy smell.
Microorganisms convert less stableorganic material into compost.
Similar to natural decay but faster due
to better control of conditions.
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Composting Benefits
Can generate revenues.
Safer & easier to handle vs. raw
waste.
Can kill fly eggs and weed seeds.
Good soil amendment.
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Composting Benefits
Amount reduced by 25 to 50%.
Greater forage palatability.
Less nitrate concern in forage.
Apply more per acre due to
lower N content.
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Factors Affecting Composting Process
1. Aeration2. Moisture content
3. Carbon/Nitrogen ratio
4. Temperature5. Time
6. Porosity, structure, texture & particle size
7. pH or acidity level
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Principles of Composting
The composting process converts a material withpotential odor and other nuisance problems into astabilized product that is reasonably odor andpathogen free, and which is a poor breeding substrate
for flies and other insects.
In addition, the volume and weight of the compostedproduct is less than that of the original raw waste (25 50 % Less) because composting converts much of the
carbonaceous material to gaseous carbon dioxide.
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Principles of Composting
Heat generatedduring the process destroyspathogenic organisms and weed seeds that mightbe present in the raw waste, and helps to drive
off moisture. In turn, because of the reduced volume andweight, hauling and spreading costs are less thanthat required for the raw wastes.
The "controlled"nature of compostingdistinguishes it from other natural processes suchas rotting and putrefaction.
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Principles of Composting
Aeration
Supplies oxygen Removes excessive heat & moisture
Reduces packing Turn, force air, or chimney effect. Poor aeration causes anaerobic activity
(smell)
Too much aeration cools compost (bad)
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Principles of Composting
Moisture content will largely determine whether the process will be
"anaerobic" (without oxygen) or "aerobic" (withoxygen)
For dead bird disposal, aerobic systems arepreferred because they are faster and producefewer odors and other objectionable features.
Ideal ------------ 60%
At 70 % -------------- Anaerobic
50 % or below ----------- slow down
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Moisture content
Crude method: Squeeze compost ball in hand
- only 1-2 drops: MC is just right- no water: MC too low
- more water: MC too high
.(%) 100
.
Wt of waterMC
Total wet wt
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Just Right MC
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Too High MC
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Principles of Composting
Moisture content
High moisture level can be controlled whenworking with a wet waste by using a little
extra straw, litter, or other bulking agent.
Low moisture contents are increased bysprinkling the pile with a measured amount of
water.
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Moisture content
(cont.)
Reotempbackyard
moisturemeter, $40(www.reotem
p.com)
Reotemp moisture
meter, $150 for 4-ft stem
Moisture meter fromGrainger, $100
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Principles of Composting
The carbon:nitrogen ratio (C:N)
Microbes require different proportions of C & N
Carbon:nitrogen ratios of 15:1 to 35:1 areacceptable.
If the C:N ratio is less than 25:1, organismscannot utilize all of the nitrogen available, and
nitrogen is then lost as ammonia.
When the C:N ratio exceeds 30:1, the rate ofcomposting decreases.
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Some C/N Ratios
Source Average Range
Horse manure (& bedding) 30 22-50
Broiler litter 14 12-15
Swine waste 14 9-19
Saw dust 442 200-750
Grain straw 80 48-150
Grass clippings 17 9-25Non-legume Hay 32
Source: NRAES 54
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Principles of Composting
Temperature
Temperature is a good indicator of biologicalactivity in the compost pile.
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Temperature
MC, oxygen, and microbial activity all influencetemperature. Two or three days after wastes are
mixed and placed in piles, thermophilic microbes
should begin to dominate. These organismsprefer a temperature of 100 degrees F to 150
degrees F. (37.7 65.5 C)
As the temperature peaks, and then begins todecrease, the pile should be turned toincorporate oxygen into the compost.
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Source: National Engineering Handbook
Temperature
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Source: National Engineering Handbook
Temperature
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Time
Depends on many factors, including method,management, source material, and weather.
Composting faster with proper moisturecontent and C/N and frequent aeration.
Composting delayed by dry material, high C/N,cold weather, and infrequent aeration.
Impact of source and method on composting
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Impact of source and method on compostingtime
Source: NRAES-54
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Porosity, structure, texture &
particle size
All influence aeration
Adjust by selection of raw materials,
grinding or mixing Amendments (e.g., lime) or bulking
agents can improve properties
Particles 1/8 to 1/2 in. in size compostfaster
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pH or acidity
pH (0-14): Acidic (less than 7); Neutral (7);Basic or alkaline (more than 7)
Composting good near 6.5-8 pH pH changes due to chemical changes
Properly done compost close to neutral
Take care while adding lime to increase pH
Principles of Composting
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Principles of Composting
Summary
The essential elements for the microorganismsinvolved in composting are carbon (C), nitrogen (N),oxygen (O2) and moisture (H2O).
If any of these elements are lacking, or if they are not
provided in the proper proportion to one another, themicroorganisms will not flourish and generateadequate heat for decomposition.
These nutrients are best supplied from an ingredientprofile that has a carbon to nitrogen ratio of
approximately 30:1. Birds have a C:N ratio of 5:1, litterranges from 7:1 to 25:1, straw 80:1, peanut hulls 50:1,and wood shavings are 300-700:1.
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Composter Construction and Layout
A typical poultry mortality composter consists ofvarious sized bins constructed of treated lumberset on a concrete slab with a roof overhead.
The roof helps maintain appropriate moisturelevels within the compost.
The concrete slab helps prevent leaching ofnutrients into the soil, prevents vermin and pests
from burrowing under the compost, and makescleanup of the facility easier.
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The size of a composter is typically based onthe size of the poultry operation. For every 1
pound of dead bird, 1 cubic foot of primary
compost space is needed. An equal amount ofspace is required for the secondary stage.
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Normally these small bin composters will be 6-8 feet wide by 5 feet high and 5 feet deep.
Moving the material from the primary bin tothe secondary bin after 10 to 21 days is
common for small bin type composters to mix
in oxygen in the mass to promote additional
heating.
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Composting Bin
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Troubleshooting
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1. Improper Temperature
Probable Cause
1. Too dry.
2. Too wet.
3. Improper mixing of ingredients.
4. Improper C:N ratio.
Suggestions
1. Add water.
2. Add bulking material and turn the
pile.
3. Layer ingredients appropriately.
4. Evaluate bulking material and adjust
as necessary.
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2. Failure to Decompose
Probable Cause
1. Improper C:N ratio.
2. Carcasses layered too thickly.
3. Carcasses on outside edges of thepile.
Suggestions
1. Evaluate bulking materials and adjustas necessary.
2. Single layer the carcasses.
3. Maintain 6 to 10 inches betweencarcasses and the edges of the pile.
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3. Odor
Probable Cause
1. Too wet.
2. Improper C:N ratio.
3. Inadequate cover over carcasses.
Suggestions
1. Add bulking material and turn.
2. Evaluate bulking materials and adjust
as necessary.
3. Cover (cap off) with 8 to 10 inches ofbulking material.
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4. Flies
Probable Cause
1. Inadequate cover over carcasses.
2. Too wet (leaching).
3. Failure to reach proper temperature.
Suggestions
1. Cover (cap off) with 10 to 12 inchesof bulking material.
2. Turn pile and add bulking material.
3. Assess C:N ratio and layering.
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5. Scavenging Animals
Probable Cause
1. Inadequate cover over carcasses.
Suggestions
1. Cover (cap off) with 8 to 10 inches ofbulking material. Avoid initial entry
with a fence or barrier.
Some Common Management Errors
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Some Common Management Errors
Observed in Compost Piles
Too much moisture will lead to flies. Low temperatures result in failure todecompose.
Carcasses on the outside edges will result
in failure to decompose.
Leaching from the pile can cause odors
and flies.
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Conclusions
Composting a feasible wastemanagement strategy
Can help generate farm revenues Provides environmental benefits
Requires management
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References
D. Adams, C. Flegal and S. Noll. Composting Poultry Carcasses. NCR-530.Purdue University.
S. Mukhtar, A. Kalbasi, and A. Ahmed. Carcass Disposal: A comprehensivereview. 2004. Chapter 3: Composting. National Agricultural BiosecurityCenter. Kansas State University.
National Resources Conservation Service: Technical Guide Section IV,Georgia 1997.
C.W. Ritz and J.W. Worley. Poultry Mortality Composting ManagementGuide. 2005. University of Georgia Extension Bulletin 1266.
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
WSU Washington State University
* Unmarked photographs provided by author.