title: Scoring of Decomposition: A Proposed Amendment to the Method When Using a Pig Model for Human Studies.
abstract: Decomposition studies often use pigs as proxies for human cadavers. However, differences in decomposition sequences/rates relative to humans have not been scientifically examined. Descriptions of five main decomposition stages (humans) were developed and refined by Galloway and later by Megyesi. However, whether these changes/processes are alike in pigs is unclear. Any differences can have significant effects when pig models are used for human PMI estimation. This study compared human decomposition models to the changes observed in pigs. Twenty pigs (50-90 kg) were decomposed over five months and decompositional features recorded. Total body scores (TBS) were calculated. Significant differences were observed during early decomposition between pigs and humans. An amended scoring system to be used in future studies was developed. Standards for PMI estimation derived from porcine models may not directly apply to humans and may need adjustment. Porcine models, however, remain valuable to study variables influencing decomposition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Forensic Anthropology Research Centre, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia, 0007, South Africa.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Keough
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Forensic Anthropology Research Centre, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x323, Arcadia, 0007, South Africa.
authors.forename: Jolandie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Myburgh
authors.affiliation: Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.
authors.forename: Maryna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steyn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D049429:Forensic Pathology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D013552:Swine
keywords: accumulated degree days; forensic anthropology; forensic science; human decomposition; postmortem interval; taphonomy; total body score