Disposing of Animal Carcasses

1. Prompt and sanitary disposal of animal carcasses is necessary to protect the living animals in an area from disease.

2. Search all pastures for dead animals as soon as possible. Carcasses may have some commercial value, so send them to a rendering plant if possible.

3. If rendering is impractical, dispose of the dead animals on the premises. Use the following procedure:
   • Bury carcasses. Use power equipment if it is available. Choose a site where subsurface drainage will not reach water supplies.
   • Bury the carcasses at least 3 to 4 feet deep so predatory animals won't be able to reach them. If quicklime is available, cover carcasses with it before filling. Quicklime will hasten decomposition.