The Effect of Total Body γ-irradiation on Mortality, Egg Production and Egg Weight of Japanese Quails

Summary

Male and female Japanese quail 21 weeks old, that were given total body doses of ⁶⁰Co γ-rays ranging from 0 to 30 Gy, showed a peak in mortality at 6–8 days post-irradiation. The LD 50/30 was 22·5 Gy, and the LD 90/30 was 26·7 Gy. No differences were evident in mortality between males and females. The reduction in egg production by 30 days post-irradiation was related linearly to the dose, for doses above 6 Gy. The reduction in egg weight (30 days post-irradiation laying period) was also related linearly to the dose.

• Japanese quail
• mortality
• egg production
• egg weight