Evaluating Composting as an Alternative Equine Mortality Management Practice and Modes of Scientific Communications
2021-09
Loading...
View/Download File
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
Evaluating Composting as an Alternative Equine Mortality Management Practice and Modes of Scientific Communications
Authors
Published Date
2021-09
Publisher
Type
Thesis or Dissertation
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.
Description
University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. September 2021. Major: Animal Sciences. Advisor: Krishona Martinson. 1 computer file (PDF); ix, 102 pages.
Related to
Replaces
License
Series/Report Number
Funding information
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
Suggested citation
Lochner, Hannah. (2021). Evaluating Composting as an Alternative Equine Mortality Management Practice and Modes of Scientific Communications. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/225089.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.