On-farm storage and bioreduction of pig carcase material by anaerobic digestion
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Research partner: Harper Adams University College
Sponsor: BPEX
Duration: 2009 – 2011
With the introduction of EU Animal By-Products Regulation 1774/2002 preventing the on-farm burning and burial of fallen livestock, alternative methods of fallen livestock disposal are required. With increasing fuel costs and the potential risk of disease transmission from storing and transporting infected carcases, an on-farm method of storage and bio-reduction of carcases is being investigated.
This two year research project is investigating the suitability of anaerobic digestion for the disposal of porcine carcases. Anaerobic digestion involves the transformation of organic matter to volatile fatty acids and biogas (methane and carbon dioxide), by a mixed bacterial ecosystem without oxygen. The advantage of this process is that the biogas produced can be used to generate heat or electricity to operate the system and reduce the carbon footprint of carcase disposal.
The aim of this project is to investigate the feasibility of anaerobic digestion as a cost effective, sustainable and bio-secure method of on-farm storage and bio-reduction of fallen livestock for the pig industry.
The specific aims are:
- To determine the effect of carcase proportion and digester temperature on the fermentation, carcase degradation and bio-gas production characteristics of pig carcase material digested anaerobically.
- To determine the effect of pasteurisation and sterilisation on the fermentation, carcase degradation and bio-gas production characteristics of pig carcase material digested anaerobically.
- To investigate the effect of anaerobic digestion on the destruction of key pathogens in pig carcase material.
- iTo provide scientific evidence on the efficacy of anaerobic digestion as an on-farm method of storage and bio-reduction of carcase material to inform EU decision making and legislation.
Three experiments have been conducted to date, looking at different aspects of digester performance. These have included the effect of temperature, effect of carcase concentration, improvement via co-digestion of substrates and the effect of different inoculum sources. The next experiment will concentrate on pathogen destruction during digestion
A varied approach is being taken to analyse different aspects of digester performance, including volume and composition of gases produced, degradation methods of the carcase and the effect of the process on carbon and nitrogen availability within the system. Further details and results will be presented in next year’s annual report.
Developing an alternative, safe method of on-farm storage and bioreduction of carcases is vital to the pig industry and anaerobic digestion appears to be a very suitable alternative.
Preliminary results
Having completed three small scale studies the effect of different substrates fed to the vessels, inclusion rate of substrates and temperature were determined. Subsequent studies have focused on biogas production, the efficiency of carcase degradation, destruction of pathogens and effect of carcase pre-treatment.
Preliminary results suggest:
- Carcase material is fermented effectively, however fermentation can be improved with the addition of other substrates
- The combined diet produced the greatest gas yield
- The highest methane yield was produced by the combined diet at 10% Dry Matter (DM) at 35ºC
- Pathogen destruction was demonstrated at both temperature ranges, however was greater at 55ºC
- The sugar beet pulp diet had the greater pathogen burden (effect of DM was inconclusive)
Video
You can watch a video of Marie Kirby talking about the project on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPB1v8qnQbY
Veterinary Record article
2010;167:606-609 doi:10.1136/vr.c5084
Investigation of farmers' perspectives on the disposal of fallen livestock and animal by-products in Great Britain
M. Kirby, BSc, C. Brizuela, BVM&S, MSc, MRCVS and R. Wilkinson, BSc, MSc, PhD
View the article here: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/167/16/606.full
Meat Trade News Daily
UK - Pig research (23 Nov 2010)
View the article here: http://www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/231110/uk___pig_research_.aspx
Page last updated
08-Apr-2011