The trial has already heard it was not possible to determine the precise cause of Mr Taylor's death because of the advanced stage of decomposition, as the body had been partly submerged in water for eight months.
Pathologist Charlotte Randall told jurors that the post-mortem examination showed "severe decomposition".
The jury heard that no natural cause of death such as disease was identified, there was no sign of blunt force injuries, and no evidence of gunshot or stab wounds.
Dr Randall told the court there was a "possible fracture of one of the delicate neck structures" called the hyoid bone, "raising the possibility of compression to the neck prior to death".
She said it is not common to sustain a fracture to the upper neck area as a result of accidental trauma.
Dr Randall also said she could not completely exclude the possibility of smothering.
She said death due to drowning should be considered due to the fact his body was found in water, but added that a test was carried out with results that supported the view that he was not alive when he entered the water.
Dr Randall said the features of how he was found were not typical of when death has occurred by suicidal drowning.
The pathologist said the cause of death was "unascertained".
Wealthy farmer 'wanted to punish' estranged wife by refusing divorce, murder trial told - Independent.ie
