Effective May 1, 2004, composting was approved as a method of disposing carcasses or portions of carcasses of large animals (cattle, other ruminants, horses, and swine) unless otherwise directed by the state veterinarian. Although rendering, extrusionand incineration are approved as methods of large animal disposal, burial is the only method other than composting that is feasible for most cattle producers. Incineration or open burning may be used as long as the carcass is reduced to ash, but other local regulations may exclude burning. Burial guidelines designed to protect water quality limit the land available for burial. In addition timely access to equipment to bury mortality is often a challenge.
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