Adult cattle can be composted using the following method:-

• In the manure stockpile area, or approved composting site, place a layer of dry organic matter 30 - 45 centimetres deep on the ground over an area slightly larger than the carcase. Straw, sawdust or hay are all suitable.
• Place the dead animal on the bed and cover with another layer of the dry organic material to a depth of 30 centimetres.
• Cover the whole lot with 60 centimetres depth of semi-dry organic material such as feedlot pen manure, stockpiled manure, or silage. This layer needs to be at least 60 centimetres deep to contain odours and exclude scavengers.
• Allow the pile to "work" for 20 days undisturbed. Internal temperatures should reach between 65 - 75oC.
• After about 20 days, or when the internal temperature falls below 60oC, turn the pile and expose the carcase. Cover the carcase again with 30 centimetres of dry organic material and 60 centimetres of semi-dry material.
• Allow the pile to "work" for another 20 days undisturbed. Internal temperatures should reach 70oC and then slowly decrease. After the 40 days only large bones and some hair will remain.

The composted carcase can then be incorporated with manure or solid wastes for spreading on land.