Composting of dead broilers: microbiological, parasitical and fungal culturing results during composting period

Abstract

An aerobic fermenting of dead broilers was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture at Hama University to study the compost content of pathogens during the fermentation period. Dead birds were buried within layers separated by straw and broilers manure in a mini fermenter. Results indicated that the fermentation temperature increased gradually during the experiment period and reached the maximum value (T=65˚C) at 90 days after starting the study. The fermented compost was contaminated with Salmonella spp., E. Coli, Staph. spp. and Fungi after 20 days of fermentation (T=41 ˚C). Whereas, no contamination was recorded at 90 or 120 days. This can be explained by the effect of high temperature produced during the natural fermentation of the organic matter on pathogens. Aflatoxins content in compost samples was ranged between 3.2 to 4.3 ppb, despite the relatively high temperature during the fermentation period.