How does chicken decay?

1. Rigor Mortis

* This is the stiffening of the muscles that occurs after death. It begins about 2 hours after death and peaks at 12 hours.

* During rigor mortis, the muscles are depleted of ATP, the molecule that provides energy for muscle contraction. This causes the muscles to become rigid and immobile.

2. Autolysis

* This is the breakdown of the body's tissues by its own enzymes. It begins about 24 hours after death and continues until the body is completely decomposed.

* During autolysis, the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the body are broken down into smaller molecules, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars.

* The breakdown of these molecules produces gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia, which give off a foul odor.

3. Putrefaction

* This is the decomposition of the body by bacteria. It begins about 3-4 days after death and continues until the body is completely decomposed.

* During putrefaction, bacteria multiply rapidly and break down the body's tissues. This process produces even more gases and a stronger odor.

* The body may also become discolored and swollen.

4. Liquefaction

* This is the breakdown of the body's tissues into a liquid. It begins about 10 days after death and continues until the body is completely decomposed.

* During liquefaction, the body's tissues are completely liquefied by the action of bacteria.

* The liquid may be clear or cloudy and may contain bits of tissue.

5. Skeletonization

* This is the final stage of decomposition, which occurs when the body's soft tissues have been completely decomposed.

* During skeletonization, only the bones of the body remain.