Abstract
A series of four experiments were conducted to assess the immediate and long-term effects of a single high-wattage input of microwave energy on the day-old chick. The minimal lethal dose of microwave energy input for a day-old chick was established at approximately 88.6 watts/sec over a 9-sec interval or a total of 800 watt-sec (joules). Sublethal radiation at 596 watt-sec (6 sec exposure) caused unconsciousness for up to 5 min and 42% mortality. Survivors showed some cutaneous burns associated with reduced early growth, but from 3 to 40 wk of age there were no effects on growth, mortality or reproduction. Radiation at 392 watt-sec (4 sec exposure) had no immediate or long-term effect on the birds. A safe maximum exposure dose for the day-old chick, of 1 mw/cm
2
over 9 sec, is proposed.