Mortality composting is an easy, lawful, low-cost alternative for producers to dispose of livestock losses. Select sites away from water sources and the public. Producers may wish to construct permanent wooden bins on a concrete pad or use simple wire or pallet enclosures in which to compost. A carbon source such as sawdust, wood shavings mixed with manure, stable bedding or other carbon-rich material is needed to combine with the carcass. Proper moisture content of approximately 50% is essential to ensure a working pile. Temperatures in a properly made pile will be high enough to kill most pathogens. A portion of the resulting compost can be reused and the remainder spread on pasture land. Producers should check with state and local officials for any laws, rules, or guidelines that must be followed concerning mortality composting and use of resulting compost.

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