Farm Mortality Unit
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A farm mortality unit is a freezer specifically designed to withstand housing decaying animal tissues on a poultry farm. The units are used to store carcasses until they are ready to be moved, typically this takes place prior to rendering. This methodology is favored by some as a means of improving farm bio-security at an affordable cost.
Description[edit]
A typical unit can accommodate up to 2750 pounds of carcasses, while maintaining internal temperatures between 15° and 25°F. Units consist of refrigeration system on top of a bin. Bins utilize detachable top in order to facilitate removal of carcasses.[1]
Challenges[edit]
There are two primary issues with employing a freezer in a farm mortality environment. Firstly, organic acids released by decaying animals will eat away at typical cooling components, as well as generic bins. Secondly, hot and humid weather typically associated with poultry farming limits proper freezer function due to restricted airflow resultant of moisture collecting on evaporator fins. A properly built farm mortality unit will have protected components and a system employed to expel excess condensation.[2]
Advantages[edit]
Use of freezers eliminates pest access to the carcasses while they await disposal, preventing the spread of pathogens by way of pest transmission while the carcasses are stored. This, in turn, enhances the bio-security of rendering as a disposal option. [3] Traditional mortality disposal competitors include burial, which is regulated or disallowed in many states and countries because it does not offer bio-security, composting, which is more labor intensive, and incineration, which is more expensive. [4] Government assistance may be available in some areas for purchase of freezer units as part of environmental initiatives. [1]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Poultry Freezers" (PDF). Natural Resources Conservation Service. April 2016.
- ↑ "Finding the Right HVAC Conditions to Curb Farm Mortality Environments". Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.
- ↑ Caparella, Tina (October 2016). "Freezing vs. Composting" (PDF). Render Magazine.
- ↑ "Animal Mortality Disposal" (PDF). Natural Resources Conservation Service. January 2011.
- ↑ "Farm Mortality Refrigeration System" (PDF). Polar Temp.
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