Transfer of Fallout Cesium-137 from Feed to Meat of Cattle

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Abstract
Beef samples were collected from 18 animals during the period of 1964 and 1965 and analyzed for 137Cs by gamma-ray spectrometry. Concentrations of this nuclide averaged 247 pCi/kg. and ranged from 88 and 445 pCi/kg. of meat. The feed intake of 137Cs prior to slaughter was determined, and a transfer coefficient to meat was calculated pCi/kg. meat divided by mean daily intake of 137Cs. The transfer coefficient of 137Cs from feed to meat was about twice as great for a high grain ration as for rations high in roughage or about 3.0% as compared to 1.5%. Samples collected between 1962 and 1966 showed a peak in 137Cs concentration in 1964 which was attributed to a peak in fallout deposition on feed stuffs in 1963. It appears that the type of ration and the fallout level both play an important role in determining the concentration of fallout 137Cs in meat. The use of milk levels of 137Cs to estimate concentrations in meat does not appear to be justified because the 137Cs in meat and milk is derived from two different compartments and only under unusual circumstances are these compartments of 137Cs in equilibrium in cattle. Copyright © 1969. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1969 by American Society of Animal Science

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