Dead stock is an unfortunate fact of life in farming. The options available to dispose of dead stock are varied and often depend on local services. In some locations there may be no collection service and water tables are too high to bury stock or use offal pits.

Composting dead stock provides an alternative disposal option. In composting, microbial processes break down organic wastes, leaving a humus or manure-like product. Temperatures reach up to 70C in a stack and the heat generated in the process kills pathogens and prevents fly incubation.