Demonstration of On-Site In-Vessel Composting of  Poultry Mortality and Litter --- Foreman, Arkansas

On January 5, 1998 a demonstration of in-vessel composting of poultry mortality and litter was initiated in Foreman, Arkansas for poultry producers and county agricultural extension agents. Growers representing Tyson's Foods, Pilgrim's Pride and ConAgra were present from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
 
 

Loading of composter An in-vessel composter manufactured by BW Organics, Sulphur Springs, Texas was used for the demonstration.  The smallest of their series of composters measuring 4 ft. in diameter and 8 ft. long was loaded with 880 lbs. of litter and 170 lbs. of carcasses.  Approximately 17.5 gallons of water were added to adjust the moisture content of the litter to 35%.  The machine rotated at the rate of 4 revolutions per hour.

 

Photograph of the contents After about 16 hours of operation, internal temperatures were 132oF, which increased to 147o after approximately 24 hours.  Carcasses had disintegrated after about 48 hours of operation,  causing moisture levels to increase and temperatures to decline.  Additional litter and wood chips were then added to maintain porosity, absorb extra moisture, and maintain thermophilic temperatures to complete the in-vessel composting process.

 

Unloading of composter On January 9, 1998, 4 days after loading, the composter was repositioned so those in attendance to observe the unloading process.

 

The composted product The composted product was unloaded by opening 3 sliding doors located at the end of the machine and allowing it to continue rotating.  The only recognizable parts of the chicken carcasses remaining after composting were bones and occasionally feet.

• Mr. Bernie Beers, BW Organics, Sulphur Springs, Texas
• Mr. Bob Taaffe, Bob Taaffe & Associates, Forman, Arkansas
• Dr. Don Cawthon, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Texas A&M University-Commerce