Short Communication: Effects of X-Rays on Growth and Germinal Tissue of Calves

¹ Departments of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
² Electrical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
³ Institute of Electrophysics UD RAS, Russia
⁴ Civil Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
⁵ College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211

A study was carried out to measure the growth and germinal tissue responses of young bull calf whose testicles were exposed to different levels of high energy, pulsed beams (X rays). Treatments (absorbed doses) were 0, 1530, 1980, 3060, or 6300 rads. Body weights were measured monthly for 10 mo; testosterone concentrations were measured in mo 2 and 5. At the end of the study, scrotal circumferences were measured, and testes were removed and weighed. Sections of testes were taken, processed, and evaluated for effects on germinal epithelium.

Treatments did not affect body weights or weight gains. Testosterone concentrations at mo 5 generally decreased with increased energy dose. Testicular weights were not different among treatments; generally, scrotal circumferences decreased and germinal tissue degeneration increased as the absorbed dose was increased.

Key Words: Holstein calves • testosterone • X rays • germinal epithelium

Submitted on February 27, 2001
Accepted on August 31, 2001