The expense and logistics of collecting small volumes of carcasses on a frequent basis prevents this disposal method from gaining immediate prominence. Until this problem is solved, rendering will not become an industrywide practice. However, research on economically feasible carcass preservation methods which will permit on farm storage and infrequent pickup is underway. Methods under study include cold storage, freezing and enzymatic and chemical processes. On farm rendering is seldom feasible.
Some producers feed dead birds to swine.
Carcasses must, by law, be cooked to meet Texas Department of Health regulations and the collection, cooking and feeding process operated in a sanitary manner. The availability of federal funds through county ASCS offices to partially offset the cost of constructing composting units has been a factor. Plans for construction of composting units are available from county SCS offices. Composting requires the use of primary and secondary bins and the use of hay, litter and water to decompose carcasses. Employee and managerial discipline is required to assure that the composting process is properly maintained.