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manure from commercially raised ducks


Question
QUESTION: Does manure from commercially raised ducks contain hormone and/or chemical residues not advisable for organic farming?
ANSWER: Hormones are not allowed in U.S. duck or goose production.

The FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service) public health agency within the US Department of Agriculture randomly samples and tests them for residues at slaughter) strictly prohibiting the use of hormones.

And, if any drugs were given to cure an illness, a "withdrawal" period is required allowing the drug residues time to exit the bird's system before slaughter.

Therefore, commercial duck manure can be composted (it is classified as a hot manure, meaning it would burn the plant roots if used with out composting it first), and used for organic gardening.

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QUESTION: Actually I am writing from Indonesia where standards are vague and enforcement is lax to non-existent. If there were residues - does composting make a difference?

Answer
I don't think composting will make a difference even if you run it through a lot of earthworms, but I am not sure, and can't find any research on it.  You can always go to the production place and ask them if they use the hormones.  I wouldn't use it as a fertilizer if there was any question about it.  

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