Evaluating Composting as an Alternative Equine Mortality Management Practice and Modes of Scientific Communications

Abstract

Declining availability of rendering for chemically euthanized animals and challenges associated with burial and cremation limits mortality management options for equine owners. Composting represents an environmentally friendly, biosecure, and economical practice for managing livestock mortalities. However, limited scientific research and knowledge among owners and veterinarians remain barriers to wide acceptance of mortality composting in the equine industry. Demonstrating composting, documenting drug residues (pentobarbital), and disseminating research findings and best management practices could be pivotal for industry adoption. Equine mortality compost piles can achieve high temperatures capable of pathogen reduction and rapid biodegradation. Additionally, pentobarbital quantities significantly decline from pile initiation to compost completion. Minimal pentobarbital residues in finished compost suggest a low environmental impact; however, further research is necessary to determine the environmental fate of pentobarbital. Dissemination of agricultural research, such as mortality composting, can help individuals make informed decisions specific to their farms. Social media networks allow educators the opportunity to interact and reach an expansive audience when disseminating research findings. Infographics have gained popularity for creatively visualizing and simplifying complex scientific information. Infographics can elicit higher engagement and reach from livestock audiences when disseminating scientific information on Facebook compared to a webpage link. While infographics are valuable for conveying science, they do not serve as a replacement to comprehensive resources such as webpages.