Troubleshooting Guide for Carcass Composting

Adapted from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Composting Animal Mortalities

• Too dry
   
• Too wet
   
• Improper C:N ratio or bulking agent used is too porous.
   
• Adverse environment
   

• Improper C:N ratio
   

• Carcasses layered too thickly
   
• Carcasses placed on the outside edge of the pile

• Add water.
   
• Add bulking agent and turn pile.
   
• Evaluate bulking agent and adjust amount as necessary.
   
• Ensure adequate cover with bulking agent to provide insulation.
   
• Turn pile and adjust amount of bulking agent.
   
• Single layer the carcasses.
   

• Maintain one foot of space between carcasses and outside edge of bins.

• Too wet 
   
• Too low C:N ratio
   
• Air flow restricted
   
• Inadequate cover over carcasses
   

• Extended periods of low temperature

• Add bulking agent and turn pile.
   
• Evaluate type of bulking agent used. Add bulking agent.
   
• Maintain one foot of bulking agent near outside of bin. Turn pile.
   
• Cover carcasses with one foot of bulking agent.
   

• Follow steps in temperature section.

• Inadequate cover over carcasses.
   
• Poor sanitation conditions
   
• Failure to achieve proper temperature
   
• Too wet

• Cover carcasses with one foot of bulking agent.
   
• Avoid leaching from pile. Maintain a clean, debris free area near the pile
   
• Follow steps in temperature section.
   

• Open/remove pile contents and add additional bulking agent.

• Inadequate cover over carcasses

• Maintain at least two foot of cover.
   

• Avoid initial entry by establishing a fence or barrier.