Why it is foolhardy to allow coyotes to do carcass removal
Farm owners with lands of large acreage and are too far from residential and commercial areas may be inclined to simply leave the animal carcass in the open as food for scavenging animals. This is a natural method of disposal of animal carcasses but it is not permitted in many areas because the scavengers can turn into predators if there are no enough carcasses for them to feed on. New born calves and other animals become significantly vulnerable to predators. It may cost a lot of efforts, time and money to do a proper disposal but it is a better method to avoid the spread of infectious diseases. There are economical and environmentally safe means of disposal, the most common of which are burial, composting, incineration and rendering.
An environmentally safe method of burial of animal carcass
Pit burial is a common method for disposal of animal carcasses in areas where soil is non-porous and the water table is deep. This will ensure that there will be no contamination of groundwater. In certain areas, burial of dead of animals is only allowed by the state to be within a legal distance from wells, water lines, ponds, lakes or streams. It makes sense to consult with authorities whether there are regulations for safe burial including the number of pounds of an animal carcass. Most large animals like cows and horses should be buried in a trench that should measure approximately 7 feet wide and 9 feet deep. In instances when the animal carcass requires more than 14sq feet of space, an alternative method of disposal may be required.
Disposal of animal carcasses through composting
Composting is an environmentally safe and economical method of disposal of animal carcasses. This method is a controlled decomposition of organic materials by breaking down the carcass through bacterial decomposition. The by-product of decomposition is an odorless and humus-like substance that can be used on the fields as a fertilizer. However, similar to the disposal process of burial, composting also requires approval from the authorities to ensure that there will be a positive impact to the environment. Composting must not make use of chemicals; only moisture, air, bacteria and a carbon source are allowed. The carbon source is usually straw, inedible feed or bedding materials. It is also more convenient to compost large carcasses in individual piles or windrows so that it will compost more quickly.
Through proper ways of disposal of animal carcasses, a farm owner minimizes the impact to the environment and at the same time maintains good relationships with neighboring farms. Acceptable methods of disposal improves the good image of the animal and poultry industry.