ANIMAL DECOMPOSITION NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
Decomposition of an animal begins at the time of death and is caused by autolysis and putrefaction. Putrescine and cadaverine are foul-smelling substances produced by the decomposing tissues of dead animals. Decomposition is a process by which dead organic matter is broken down into simpler organic or inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide, water, simple sugars, and mineral salts. The process is a part of the nutrient cycle and is vital for recycling the finite matter that occupies physical space in the ecosphere. Although no two organisms decompose in the same manner, they all go through the same consecutive stages of decomposition.
Bacteria and fungi enzymatically digest organic matter and are prime decomposers of dead animals. Animals and insects also play an important role in the decomposition of a carcass. In North America, scavengers that play a role in the breakdown of a deceased animal include coyotes, wolves, foxes, rats, crows, and vultures. Arthropods involved in the process include blow flies, flesh flies, carrion beetles, mites, moths, and some species of yellow jacket wasps. Earthworms are detritivores that consume decaying organic matter and return nutrients to the soil via their excrement called casts. Earthworm casts are rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash.
STAGES OF ANIMAL DECOMPOSITION NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
• Fresh - This stage begins at the moment of death. There is a change in body temperature post-mortem until the ambient temperature is matched, referred to as algor mortis. Within three to six hours following death, muscle tissues become rigid, called rigor mortis. The cessation of cardiac activity results in the pooling of blood in the body due to gravity and the absence of blood circulation. The blood will pool in the lowest points of the body, giving the skin a purplish-red discoloration termed livor mortis. The process of autolysis is initiated with the release of cellular enzymes that trigger the breakdown of surrounding cells and tissues. There is a proliferation of anaerobic organisms referred to as putrefaction. The fresh stage of animal decomposition is characterized by the arrival and colonization of necrophagous blowflies and flesh flies. Blowflies are usually the first insect to arrive at a dead body, often landing on a fresh corpse within minutes of death.
• Bloat - This stage supplies the first clear visual evidence of microbial proliferation. The buildup of gases, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and nitrogen, results from anaerobic metabolism and gives a carcass its bloated appearance. As the pressure within the body of the dead animal increases, fluids are forced out into the surrounding environment. The escape of gases and fluids results in pungent odors associated with decay.
• Active Decay - The most significant loss of mass occurs during this stage. The weight loss occurs due to the voracious feeding of fly larvae and the loss of decomposition fluids into the surrounding environment. The termination of the active decay stage is marked by the departure of the maggots from the decomposing body to pupate.
• Advanced Decay - Decomposition is substantially hindered during this stage, resulting from the loss of readily available dead body tissue.
• Dry / Remains - All that remains of the corpse at this stage are dry skin, cartilage, and bones.
FACTORS AFFECTING DECOMPOSITION NASSAU COUNTY, NY
A dead animal exposed to the open elements, such as water and air, will decompose faster and attract more insects than a buried one. The rate and manner of animal corpse decomposition is influenced by several factors, including temperature, the availability of oxygen, access to scavengers, humidity, rainfall, body size, and weight.
