ANALYZING THE DECOMPOSITION OF PIGS PLACED IN COFFIN ON THE SURFACE AND PIGS BURIED IN A COFFIN

This study analyzed the decomposition patterns of pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) placed in coffins on the surface and pigs buried in coffins under controlled conditions at the Department of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (DAFARF), University of Cross River State, Nigeria. Four pigs (~20 kg each) were sacrificed via cervical dislocation and randomly assigned into two groups: surface in coffin and buried in coffin. The experiment lasted 60 days, during which carcasses were monitored for morphological changes, insect activity, and environmental influences. Data collection included Total Body Score (TBS) assessment, ambient temperature, humidity, and accumulated degree days (ADD). Visual observations revealed that both groups progressed through the classical decomposition stages: fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay, and skeletonization. However, decomposition was faster in surface pigs. By days 4–7, surface carcasses displayed extensive maggot mass activity, skin slippage, and accelerated tissue loss, whereas buried pigs showed delayed insect colonization and slower tissue breakdown. Advanced decomposition, including cranial bone exposure and mummification, occurred earlier in surface pigs (days 8–25), while buried pigs retained moisture and reached similar stages later (days 9–29). By days 26–60, both groups reached skeletonization, but surface pigs showed greater bone exposure and reduced soft tissue. TBS analysis confirmed this pattern: surface pigs achieved higher scores (33 by day 60) earlier than buried pigs (32 by day 60). Environmental conditions, especially temperature fluctuations and insect accessibility, strongly influenced decomposition rates. Surface pigs were more exposed to environmental variability, facilitating faster tissue loss, while soil and coffin barriers restricted insect access and delayed decay in buried pigs. In conclusion, pigs placed in coffins on the surface decomposed more rapidly than those buried in coffins, highlighting the importance of burial environment, insect accessibility, and temperature exposure in forensic taphonomic investigations.