Effects on Swine of Unilateral Neutron Irradiation, Calcium, and Zinc

    July 1969 in “ PubMed ”
    H. Rosas, Μ. C. Bell
    TLDR Radiation reduced zinc levels, growth, organ weights, and hair pigment in swine.
    The study involved 24 weanling barrows divided into three dietary groups to assess the effects of unilateral neutron irradiation, calcium, and zinc supplementation. The irradiation dose was 268 rads, and the swine were subsequently given 0.5 mCi of 65 Zn. Results showed that irradiated animals had significantly lower whole-blood and plasma levels of 65 Zn for several days. Although feed intake was consistent across all groups, irradiated swine exhibited reduced average daily gain. Radiation also led to decreased weights of the left kidney, liver, spleen, heart, and reduced hair growth, with an absence of pigment in the hair cortex on the irradiated side. Additionally, claudication was noted in the left rear leg of the irradiated swine.
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