Bioverse Ag’s Compost Plus product was developed to help improve the efficiency of the mortality composting, explained Brad Carson, director of sales for Bioverse Ag.

“Initially, we were approached by integrators who were using our Bioverse AgraSphere product in their manure system, and who were interested in a similar compost-related product,” he said.

“We ran research trials to test bacteria and enzyme combinations before coming up with this formulated composting product that contains microbial isolates, enzymes and composting activation factors. We found that internal temperatures in compost piles treated with Compost Plus were much higher than the untreated piles. Being able to maintain higher temperatures is what helps ensure that the total carcass, including the bones, breaks down during the composting process.”

“One challenge that producers often face with mortality composting is that there are often intact bones found in the finished product. This can lead to problems with equipment when incorporating compost into fields,” Carson explained. “The formulation in this composting product helps demineralize the bones so that they break down more thoroughly during the composting process.”

After researching the best method of delivery, the company developed a convenient dosing system using water-soluble packets that contain premeasured doses of the product.

The composting material for a 5,000-sow unit would cost about $150/ton, he noted. The product would be added at the same time that animals are put into the compost system.

Leon Sheets asked how often the product would have to be added to the pile, and whether any special considerations would be needed during freezing temperatures depending on the type of materials that were being used.

Carson said the product is designed to be added every month at each stage of the compost process. Because the composting process slows down in the winter, the expectation would be to treat winter as stage one, and additional Compost Plus product should not be needed unless temperatures are well above freezing. He said sawdust is the ideal ingredient, but Compost Plus will work with other carbon sources, too.

Steve Hoff asked if the product speeds up the composting process. “The amount of time is about the same as composting without using Compost Plus, but it’s a question of being able to completely break down the bones,” Carson noted.

Paul Yeske, DVM, asked if the product helps reduce odor if compost is not functioning properly. Carson says the company cannot make a specific claim about odor reduction.

“This product seems to be a very efficiency-driven product,” Yeske observed.

The panel felt the Compost Plus product could be particularly beneficial to producers who may be starting a new compost pile, or are having problems with a current composting system not working properly.

Learn more about Compost Plus at www.bioverseag.com.