Interaction of microwave radiation with turkey sperm

Turkey sperm were exposed to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation in a temperature controlled waveguide apparatus. Temperature was maintained at 40.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C. The sperm were exposed for 30 min to a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1, 10, or 50 mW/g. Before and following microwave exposure the following parameters were examined: percentage viability, percentage abnormal sperm, and release of the enzymes lactate hydrogenase (LDH) and glutamic oxalic transaminase (GOT). These parameters were not altered significantly by microwave exposure under the conditions tested.