Nutrient Management and Deadstock

Managing deadstock is an inevitable product of raising livestock. Disposing of deadstock takes time and money. The key issues regarding deadstock include public health, perception, economics, and environmental protection. Deadstock disposal concerns go far beyond just deciding which method is most convenient.

Improper disposal of deadstock poses risks to environmental quality, animal health (in terms of contagious diseases and biosecurity concerns) and public health, which includes the farm family. Also improper disposal of livestock and poultry mortalities is a sensitive public issue.

The Dead Animal Disposal Act (DADA) was created in the 1960's to prevent meat from dead livestock from entering the human food chain. The legislation includes only cattle, horses, swine, sheep and goats, and has received only minor changes since that time.

Under this Act, all dead cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and horses must be disposed of within 48 hours after death, in one of three approved methods:

• removal through a licensed deadstock collection service
• composting under 60 cm (2 ft) of organic substrate, such as sawdust or straw
• burial under 60 cm (2 ft) of soil and away from all waterways

A review of the DADA is underway. Proposed future regulations may stipulate that on-farm management and disposal standards come under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and off farm licensing, management and disposal may be regulated under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001.

Any questions and concerns about deadstock transportation, management and disposal should be directed to the toll free line at 1-877-424-1300, or e-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.