When producers decide which carcass disposal method to use, they must consider the number of mortalities, the cause of death and whether infectious agents are involved, environmental implications, regulatory requirements, operational costs, and efficiency. This Issue Paper provides a comprehensive summary of the scientific, technical, and social aspects of various ruminant carcass disposal technologies using information gleaned from a Kansas State University comprehensive report. The authors discuss the predominant methods of mortality disposal in commercial ruminant production, including burial and landfill, rendering, composting, incineration, and alkaline hydrolysis. The paper includes an Appendix that addresses special considerations for material potentially infected with diseases. Chair: Marty Vanier, National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan.

IP41, January 2009, 20 pp., Available free online and in print (fee for shipping/handling).

Publication Impact Report – March 2009