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Composting Cows |
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With rendering services increasingly hard to come by, some dairy producers are looking for alternative methods for disposing of dead cows. Composting not only can be efficient and cost-effective, it also can provide a valuable source of nutrients and organic matter for your soil. If you decide to start composting cow carcasses, you'll need a permit from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (call 651/296-2942). You'll also need to follow state guidelines and any local zoning requirements. Contact your local zoning authority for more information. A cow composting facility may be as simple or as complex as you make it. The main requirements are that it have an impervious (concrete or clay) weight-bearing pad and a roof, be made of rot-resistant material, and be large enough to handle your farm's needs. For more information on cow composting, check out the West Central Research and Outreach Center's Composting Resource Notebook ($15 plus $5 shipping). Call 320/589-1711 for ordering instructions. |
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Composting 'How To'Bill Head, sheep scientist with the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, suggests the following procedure for composting cows: 1. Put down one foot of straw. Cover it with one foot of solid manure or wood shavings/chips. Add the carcass. 2. Cover with one foot of manure-soiled bedding, then 6 to 8 inches of straw. 3. Monitor the internal temperature of the heap at least once per week. When it drops below 120 degrees, turn the heap by loading the heap into a manure spreader and redistributing it into the bin. Add moisture as needed and cover with another 6 to 8 inches of straw. 4. Continue temperature monitoring and turning (usually two turns) until the carcass is completely broken down. 5. Spread the finished compost on your field. |
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