Ideally, freezer units will have no environmental or health impacts and will operate for 10 years. Transfer of pathogens or harmful microorganisms between farms may be a problem with this method of collection. However, freezing is useful as a way to reduce or eliminate pollution and improve conditions on the farm. Additional research will more fully explore this management option and any problems with transfer of pathogens between farms. Fermentation Fermentation may also become a more widespread method for holding poultry carcasses for up to 3 months until their valuable nutrient components can be recovered by rendering.
Fermentation is a biologically secure and environmentally safe procedure.
Fermentation reduces the pH level so that pathogenic microorganisms are inactivated and the organic materials are preserved. Fermentation for the long-term storage of poultry carcasses prior to rendering has proven effective in field trials conducted by Auburn University in cooperation with the Alabama Poultry Industry. The methods employed have produced an environmentally and biologically safe material that can easily be converted into a usable, highly valued feed ingredient. Fermentation preserves tissue so that it can be safely transported to a rendering plant for recovery of nutrients and recycled into usable foodstuffs or animal feed. Another way to preserve dead birds for future rendering is acidification.