Hostname: page-component-669899f699-swprf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-04-27T08:08:49.655Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Methods and technologies for handling mortality losses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

J.P. Blake
J.P. Blake
Affiliation:
Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, AL 36849USA, e-mail: jblake@acesag.auburn.edu
Get access

Abstract

Poultry carcasses resulting from death by natural occurrences at high levels of production represents a tremendous amount of organic matter that requires environmentally and biologically safe disposal or utilization. Methods for disposal of poultry carcasses include burial, incineration, composting, and rendering. Burial pits used for carcass disposal pose concerns that include the decline in ground water quality where pits are located and residue remaining in pits after years of use. Burial is no longer permitted in some poultry producing areas of the United States except in he case of catastrophic loss. Incineration is a biologically safe method of disposal; however, it tends to be slow and expensive even when highly efficient incinerators are used. Burial and incineration impose environmental concerns that are becoming less acceptable. Research has been conducted during the past decade in support of composting for carcass disposal. When poultry carcass composting is properly conducted, disease-causing microorganisms do not survive the process and the composted material can be used as a soil amendment. Composting is environmentally sound, relatively inexpensive, and has gained widespread acceptance. Rendering carcasses into a protein by-product meal is an alternative in the United States, but is not permitted in the European Union. Poultry carcasses can be removed from the farm, but the spread of pathogenic microorganisms during routine pickup and transportation to a rendering facility may present a substantial threat. Refrigeration, principally freezing, has potential for short-term storage prior to rendering, but costs of operation and transportation need careful consideration. Lactic acid fermentation of poultry carcasses prior to transportation stabilizes carcass deterioration and minimizes pathogen threat. Fermentation allows for longterm on-farm storage of poultry carcasses, reduced transportation costs and results in a usable feed ingredient. When coupled with rendering, fermentation is an excellent alternative for storing and transporting pathogen-free poultry carcasses. All methods that allow for the environmentally safe and bio-secure disposal of poultry carcasses should be considered. No single method will completely solve the problem.

Keywords

poultrymortalitycarcassrenderingextrusion
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 60 , Issue 4 , December 2004 , pp. 489 - 499
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Blake, J.P. (1998) Upgrading the value of mortality residues. Pages 50–60 in: Proceedings 1998 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Fayetteville, AR. National Poultry Waste Management Symposium CommitteeAuburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P., Conner, D.E. and Donald, J.O. (1991) Wheat straw and peanut hulls are useful bulking agents in composting poultry carcasses. Poultry Science 70(1): 14.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P., Cook, M.E., Miller, C.C. and Reynolds, D. (1990) Dry extrusion of poultry processing plant wastes and poultry farm mortalities. Pages 319–327 in: Proceedings of the 6th International symposium on Agricultural and Food Processing WastesAmerican Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P. and Donald, J.O. (1992a) Alternatives for the disposal of poultry carcasses. Poultry Science 71: 1130–1135.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P. and Donald, J.O. (1992b) An on-farm fermentation system for dead poultry disposal. Poultry Science 71(1): 51.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P., Donald, J.O. and Conner, D.E. (1994) Small-scale composting of poultry carcasses. Pages 261–266 in: Proceedings 1994 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Athens GA.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P., Roden, R.M. and Scott, J.T. (1998b) Feasibility and economics of on-farm poultry carcass fermentation. Poultry Science 77(1): 97.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P., Simpson, E.H., Donald, J.O. and Norton, R.A. (2002) Economic evaluation of incineration as a method for dead bird disposal. Pages 281–287 in: Proceedings 2002 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Birmingham, AL.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Blake, J.P., Tucker, J.K. and Donald, J.O. (1998a) Operating costs associated with on-farm refrigeration of poultry carcasses. Poultry Science 77(1): 97.Google Scholar
Cai, T., Pancorbo, O.C., Sander, J.E., Merka, W.C. and Barnhart, H.M. (1994a) Stabilization of poultry processing by-products and waste, and poultry carcasses through lactic acid fermentation. Journal Applied Poultry Research 3: 17–25.Google Scholar
Cai, T., Pancorbo, O.C., Sander, J.E., Merka, W.C. and Barnhart, H.M. (1994b) Chemical and microbiological characteristics of poultry processing by-products and waste, and poultry carcasses during lactic acid fermentation. Journal Applied Poultry Research 3: 49–60.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cai, T. and Sander, J.E. (1995) Fermentation mixture formulation and the preservation of poultry carcasses. Journal Applied Poultry Research 4: 88–93.Google Scholar
Carey, J.B., Coufal, C.D. and Reynolds, P.L. (2002) Utilization of thermophilic microbes for digestion of poultry carcasses. Pages 295–300 in: Proceedings 2002 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Birmingham, AL.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Carey, J.B., Shafer, D.J. and Smith, D.G. (1997) Field testing of sodium hydroxide preservation of onfarm broiler mortalities. Poultry Science 76(1): 13.Google Scholar
Carpenter, G. and Carter, T. (1996) Poultry mortality digesters-Field observations. Pages 309–312 in: Proceedings 1996 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Harrisburg, PA.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Cawthon, D. (1998) Rapid composting of poultry mortality using in-vesel technology. Pages 432–433 in: Proceedings 2000 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Ocean City, MD.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Clark, R.A. (1996) Options for poultry mortality disposal. Pages 313–319 in: Proceedings 1996 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Harrisburg, PA.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Collins, E.R. and Weaver, W.D. (1974) Disposal of dead poultry and other farm animals. Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Publication 638. Blacksburg, VA.Google Scholar
Conner, D.E., Blake, J.P. and Donald, J.O. (1991a) Microbiological evaluation of poultry farm mortality composting. Poultry Science 70(1): 154.Google Scholar
Conner, D.E., Blake, J.P. and Donald, J.O. (1991b) Microbiological safety of composted poultry farm mortalities. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 1991 International Summer Meeting. Albuquerque, NM. Paper 91–4053.Google Scholar
Conner, D.E., Blake, J.P. and Donald, J.O. and Kotrola, J.S. (1991c) Microbiological safety and quality of poultry mortality composting. Poultry Science 70(1): 29.Google Scholar
CONNER, D.E., BLAKE, J.P. and DONALD, J.O. (1991d) Fermentative stabilization of poultry farm mortalities. Poultry Science 70(1): 28.Google Scholar
Crews, J.R., Blake, J.P. and Donald, J.O. (1994) An economic evaluation of dead-bird disposal systems. Pages 304–309 in: Proceedings 1994 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Athens, GA.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Dobbins, C.N. (1988) Lactobacillus fermentation: Amethod of disposal/utilization of carcasses contaminated by pathogenic organisms or toxic chemicals. Pages 76–80 in: Proceedings of the 1988 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Columbus, OH.Google Scholar
Donald, J.O. and Blake, J.P. (1990) Dead poultry composter construction. Pages 38–44. in: Proceedings 1990 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Raleigh, NC.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee. Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Donald, J.O. and Blake, J.P. (1992) Comparison of mortality disposal systems. Pages 56–63 in: Proceedings 1992 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Birmingham, AL.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Donald, J.O., Blake, J.P., Tucker, K. and Harkins, D. (1994) Mini-composters in poultry production. Circular ANR-804. Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Downs, K.M., Hess, J.B., Blake, J.P., Norton, R.A., Kalinowski, A., Corzo, A. and Parsons, C.M. (2003) Suitability of a dehydrated poultry mortality-soybean meal product for use in broiler diets. Journal Applied Poultry Research 12: 222–228.Google Scholar
Haque, A.K.M., Lyon, J.J. and Vandepopuliere, J.M. (1987) Utilization of ground whole hens in broiler diets. Poultry Science 66(1): 110.Google Scholar
Hess, J.B., Norton, R.A. and Blake, J.P. (2000) Dehydrated poultry meal produced from farm mortalities. Pages 361–365. in: Proceedings 2000 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Ocean City, MD.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee. Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Kim, W.K. and Patterson, P.H. (1998) Recycling hen mortalities by using a feather digesting enzyme or sodium hydroxide treatment and fermentation. Pages 394–400 in: Proceedings 1998 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Fayetteville, AR.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Kotrola, J.S., Conner, D.E., Blake, J.P. and Donald, J.O. (1993) Microbiological evaluation of small-scale in-house composting of poultry carcasses. Poultry Science 72(1): 78.Google Scholar
Lomax, K.M. and Malone, G.W. (1988) On farm digestion system for dead poultry. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 1988 International Summer Meeting. Rapid City, SD. Paper 88–4075.Google Scholar
Lomax, K.M., Malone, G.W. and Saylor, W.W. (1991) Acid preservation for poultry carcass disposal. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 1991 International Summer Meeting. Albuquerque, NM. Paper 91–4051.Google Scholar
Macklin, K.S., Norton, R.A. and Blake, J.P. (1997) Preliminary results of long term monitoring of pathogenic bacteria recovery from experimental bird digesters in the state of Alabama. Poultry Science 76(1): 137.Google Scholar
Macklin, K.S., Norton, R.A. and Blake, J.P. (1998) Current status of dead bird digesters in Alabama. Poultry Science 77(1): 123.Google Scholar
Macklin, K.S., Norton, R.A. and Blake, J.P. (2000) Surveillance of dead bird digesters in Alabama. Pages 204–212 in: Proceedings Alliance for Environmental Stewardship: A Comprehensive ApproachAuburn University Printing ServicesAuburn, AL.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W. (1990) Carcass preservation systems-Acid preservation and proteolytic yeast. Pages 49–55. in: Proceedings 1990 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Raleigh, NC.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee. Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W., Kaifer, C.W., Saylor, W.W. and Lomax, K.M. (1988) Preservation of broiler mortality losses using various acids. Poultry Science 67(1): 113.Google Scholar
Malone, G.W., Saylor, W.W., Ariza, M.G., Lomax, K.M. and Kaifer, C.R. (1987) Acid preservation and utilization of poultry carcasses resulting from mortality losses. Pages 13–16 in: Progress Through Research and Extension 1987, Report 11.University of Delaware College of Agricultural SciencesNewark, DE.Google Scholar
Middleton, T.F. and Ferket, P.R. (1998) The effect of incubation temperature and level of acidification with phosphoric acid on quality parameters of poultry mortality silage. Poultry Science 77(1): 110.Google Scholar
Miller, C.C., Cook, M.E. and Blake, J.P. (1990) Performance of male turkeys fed a diet containing an extruded blend of soybean meal and whole turkeys. Poultry Science 69(1): 93.Google Scholar
Mounce, D. (1996) High rise mortality composting. Pages 133–134 in: Proceedings 1996 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Harrisburg, PA.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Murphy, D.W. (1990) Disease transfer studies in a dead bird composter. Pages 25–30 in: Proceedings of the 1990 National Poultry waste Management Symposium.Raleigh, NC.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Murphy, D.W. and Handwerker, T.S. (1988) Preliminary investigations of composting as a method of dead bird disposal. Pages 65–72 in: Proceedings of the 1988 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Columbus, OH.Google Scholar
Murphy, D.W. and Silbert, S.A. (1990) Carcass preservation systems-lactic fermentation. Pages 56–63 in: Proceedings of the 1990 National Poultry waste Management Symposium.Raleigh, NC.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Parsons, J. and Ferket, P.R. (1990) Alternative dead bird disposal methods central pickup and fermentation. Pages 7–20 in: Proceedings of the North Carolina State University Poultry Supervisors Short CourseRaleigh, NC.Google Scholar
Patterson, P.H., Acar, N. and Coleman, W.C. (1994) Feeding value of poultry by-products extruded with cassava, barley, and wheat middlings for broiler chicks: The effect of ensiling poultry by-products as a preservation method prior to extrusion. Poultry Science 73: 1107–1115.Google Scholar
Poss, P.E. (1990) Central pickup of farm dead poultry. Pages 75–76 in: Proceedings of the 1990 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Ritter, W.F. and Chirnside, A.E.M. (1990) Dead bird disposal and ground-water quality. Agricultural and Food Processing Waste. Pages 414–423 in: Proceedings of the 6th International symposium on Agricultural and Food Processing WastesAmerican Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.Google Scholar
Said, N.W. (1996) Extrusion of alternative ingredients: An environmental and a nutritional solution. Journal Applied Poultry Research 5: 395–407.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Scarborough, J.N., Palmer, D.H. and Williams, T.H. (1992) Composting structures for dead poultry disposal. Circular EQ-4. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Newark, DE.Google Scholar
Simpson, E.H., Blake, J.P., Donald, J.O. and Norton, R.A. (2002) Evaluation of incineration for disposal of poultry mortalities. Poultry Science 80(1): 6.Google Scholar
Sweeten, J.M. and Thornberry, F.D. (1984) Construction and use of on-site disposal pits for dead poultry. Pages 34–52 in: Proceedings of the 16th Annual Texas Broiler SymposiumCenter, TX.Google Scholar
Tadtiyanant, C., Lyons, J.J. and Vandepopuliere, J.M. (1989) Utilization of extruded poultry mortalities and feathers in broiler starter diets. Poultry Science 68(1): 145.Google Scholar
Tadtiyanant, C., Lyons, J.J. and Vandepopuliere, J.M. (1991) Extrusion processing used to convert egg shells, hatchery waste and deboning residuals into feedstuffs for laying hens. Poultry Science 70(1): 188.Google Scholar
Tadtiyanant, C., Lyons, J.J. and Vandepopuliere, J.M. (1993) Extrusion processing used to convert dead poultry, feathers, egg shells, hatchery waste and mechanically deboned residue into feedstuffs for poultry. Poultry ScienceX 72: 1515–1527.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Talkington, F.D., Shotts, E.B. JR., Wooley, R.E., Whitehead, W.K. and Dobbins, C.N. (1981a) Introduction and reisolation of select gram-negative bacteria from fermented edible wastes. American Journal Veterinary Research 42: 1298–1301.Google Scholar
Talkington, F.D., Shotts, E.B. JR., Wooley, R.E., Whitehead, W.K. and Dobbins, C.N. (1981b) Introduction and reisolation of select gram-positive bacteria from fermented edible wastes. American Journal Veterinary Research 42: 1302–1305.Google Scholar
Weber, P., Thompson, K. and Kaye, G. (2002) The use of alkaline hydrolysis for the processing and disposal of poultry carcasses. Pages 375–380 in: Proceedings 2002 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Birmingham, AL.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Wineland, M.J., Carter, T.A. and Anderson, K.E. (1998) A cost comparison of composting and incineration as methods for mortality disposal. Pages 312–319 in: Proceedings 1998 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium.Fayetteville, AR.National Poultry Waste Management Symposium Committee, Auburn University, AL.Google Scholar
Wooley, R.E., Gilbert, J.P., Whitehead, W.K., Shotts, E.B. JR. and Dobbins, C.N. (1981) Survival of viruses in fermented edible waste material. American Journal Veterinary Research 42: 87–90.Google Scholar