ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 12

Observations of Differential Decomposition on Sun Exposed v. Shaded Pig Carrion in Coastal Washington State
Shean, BS
Research Assistant, Colorado State University, CO

Messinger, L
Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin, WI

Papworth, M
Professor, The Evergreen State College, WA

(Received 8 May 1992; accepted 10 December 1992)

Abstract

The decomposition of two pig carcasses in close proximity to each other, one exposed and the other shaded, in a continuous woodland were observed and different rates of decay were recorded. The exposed pig decomposed much faster than the shaded pig, reaching a stable minimal weight two weeks before the shaded carcass. Bloat size, body weight, occurrence of blow fly larvae, and ambient air temperatures are compared. Maggot development appeared to be a major factor in the overall rate of decomposition and was affected primarily by different temperature patterns at the two sites.

Keywords:
forensic science, decomposition, postmortem interval entomology

Paper ID: JFS13492J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13492J
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