Nuclear Techniques in Animal Production and Health

Terms such as isotopes and nuclear techniques often call to mind basic research of little or only minor practical importance for animal productivity and health. This is, however, not true. No other scientific tools have in our lifetime been of a significance equalling that of the isotopes in widening our insight into animal physiology and nutritional requirements. Last but not least, they have made us realize the importance of the soil-plant-animal relationship. This applies to both radioactive isotopes such as radiophosphorus and stable isotopes such as nitrogen-15.