note 5-composting chicken carcasses v2

slower and less effective. Low C:N ratios tend to produce more ammonia, which
inhibits breakdown. High C:N ratios may also inhibit breakdown through limited
available nitrogen. This can be remedied by using a substrate with a higher nitrogen
content or by adding granular nitrogen fertiliser. Adequate oxygen must be available
to keep the pile aerobic.

Heat retention

The temperature inside properly sized and maintained compost piles should reach
50- 65 oC. This temperature stimulates the growth of the thermophilic bacteria that
promote decay. It also helps to destroy disease-causing microorganisms. For a
meat chicken farm this improves biosecurity and produces a product that is safe for
land application. Compost piles are likely to be cooler close to the edge, so
carcasses should be kept at least 300 mm from the edge of the pile.


Compost Bin Design
Compost bins can be as simple as large round or large square hay bales configured
into an open-fronted bay. They need to be set up on an impermeable pad
(compacted clay or preferably concrete). Many of the carcass composting operations
in the United States are conducted in open sheds. This design allows for improved
environmental control, by excluding rainfall. The sidewalls of these shed structures
can be constructed of timber, concrete or plywood with timber supports. Bins are
generally 2 m deep and approximately 2.5 m wide. The width needed depends on
the implements available for turning (front-end loader, bobcat etc).




CHICKEN COMPOST SHED COMMONLY USED IN THE UNITED STATES

Size of Operation

A 100,000 bird operation with 4% mortality rate will produce approximately 5 t of
mortalities per batch or an average daily mortality of about 100 kg for the batch. An
average daily bird loss of 100 kg/d will require approximately 12.5 m3 of bin capacity
(6.25 m3 for the primary bin and 6.25 m3 for the secondary bin).