Composting dead animals is an inexpensive and environmentally sound method of disposing of dead animals. If properly done temperatures reach 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to kill disease causing organisms. Here are some rules to follow to get results:

1. Locate the compost pile in a well drained area that is away from surface water flow.
2. Prepare a 12" to 18" deep base of wood chips or other porous material 1 to 2 feet larger than the size of the animal or animals you are going to compost.
3. Place 8" to 12" of , silage or pack manure that is about 50% moisture on top of the wood chips.
   
4. Lay the dead animal or animals on top of the silage or manure and cover with 12" of silage or pack manure. If more than one animal do not stack them on top of each other.
   
5. Cover the pile with 12" of green sawdust to act as a bio-filter, reducing odor and discouraging predators.
   
6. Allow the pile to sit for 3 months if small animals were composted, 6 months for larger animals. Turning will speed up the process by adding air but is not necessary.

Two processes are taking place, decomposition and composting. That is why disturbing the pile is not recommended for at least 30 days. For proper composting a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25 to 1 is ideal. Carbon sources are sawdust, straw, old hay and other high fiber materials. Nitrogen is provided by the cow, higher protein silage and manure. A proper moisture content 50% is also essential for good composting. Large animals will add significant water to the mix while smaller animals add very little. The third important ingredient for proper composting is air. That is why wood chips are recommended as a base.

When you spread the pile only bones and a little hair will remain. The bones of smaller animals will break up and disappear in the field. Larger animals' bones will begin to break down but will still be visible in the field if spread.