Effect of X-Rays on Fertility in White Leghorn Male Chickens Treated Before Puberty

Abstract

Male white Leghorn chicks 4-6 weeks of age were irradiated over an area of the body including gonads, adrenals, and parts of the kidney. Doses 1200, 1600, 2100 and 2800 r given in equal doses of 4 weekly treatments within 2 weeks and 5600 and 8400 r given in 4 weekly treatments within 3 weeks. 10 animals were exposed in each groups, 2-4 of which were killed about 4 weeks after the last exposure for histologic examination. The rest were mated. All of the animals receiving more than 1600 r were sterile. Irradiation had no effect on comb size or mating habit. The testis of the irradiated animals were reduced in size, but the histological state of the testes was found not always a reliable criterion of fertility.