On-Farm Treatment of Slaughterhouse Wastes in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Animal and associated wastes are potential reservoirs of pathogenic micro-organisms capable of infecting humans. However, animal mortality and waste management are inevitable yet often forgotten aspects of agricultural production, providing a direct threat to the health and safety of Canadian citizens. The emergence of bovine and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (e.g. BSE, ‘Mad Cow Disease’), the recent 2007 CFIA regulations regarding animal waste disposal and examples of bacterial contamination of Canadian drinking water supplies (e.g. Walkerton, ON), have fuelled public concerns regarding animal waste disposal and associated pathogens. A rapid, cost effective and safe disposal method is therefore necessary to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Studies were initiated in Nova Scotia on commercial slaughterhouse facilities in 2004. Untreated slaughterhouse residuals (i.e. no removal or chipping of feathers or bone) were mixed with various carbon substrates and managed via windrow-style biopiles. Temperature, O₂ content, and visual and odour observations, were collected. To date, management has continued year-round under all weather conditions, significant pathogen and volume reductions have been observed, reduced expenses for the individual co-operators and enhanced employee satisfaction have been realized. Subsequent controlled-facility trials were also conducted to study certain parameters more in-depth. Significant contributions to currently available information on the effects of biopiling slaughterhouse-residuals have been effective in the development of management strategies for dealing with these waste materials. This methodology represents a safe, cost-effective, on-farm application requiring minimal management, and will be highlighted in a Northeastern American context.