An implantable bone-containing composition and a method for making same are disclosed. The compositions includes sterilized bone, which has been exposed to a dose of radiation in excess of about 45 kGy in the absence of radio-protective agents. The sterilized bone has higher osteogenic capacity than bone sterilized at the conventional dose of between 15 kGy and 35 kGy, approaching or surpassing the osteogenic capacity of the bone prior to irradiation.