Poultry Wastes

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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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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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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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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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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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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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



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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


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.


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


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


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.

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