The chemical preservation of whole broiler carcasses utilizing aqueous alka
line hydroxide solutions was examined as an alternative method of mortality
management. Conversion of the preserved carcasses and solutions into an ac
ceptable poultry by-product meal was examined. This research identified the
basic parameters for effective preservative solutions that simultaneously
hydrolyzed feathers and preserved the carcass. Euthanized, fully feathered,
mature broilers were placed in potassium hydroxide (0.5 to 2.0 M) and sodi
um hydroxide (0.12 to 2.0 M) solutions for 5 and 10 d. Effectiveness was ev
aluated by visible feather degradation and carcass solubilization, odor pro
duction, inhibition of microbial growth, and solids content of the alkaline
solutions. Sodium hydroxide at 1.9 and 2.0 M diffused throughout the carca
ss and produced adequate preservation without apparent putrefaction through
10 d. Aerobic bacteria were not recovered from sodium hydroxide solutions,
carcass skin, or intestine samples at the 1.9 M concentration. Treatments
of 2.0 M potassium hydroxide and a mixture of 1.5 M potassium hydroxide wit
h 0.5 M sodium hydroxide produced the highest degree of carcass liquificati
on at 10 d without visible putrefaction. Sodium hydroxide solution (2.0 M):
carcass weight ratios ranging from 1:1 through 4:1 (wt:wt) were effective i
n preserving individual carcasses for more than 60 d without putrefaction.