Rodenticide Baits of Cholecalciferol, Bromadiolone and their Combinations against Lesser Bandicoot Rat, Bandicota bengalensis

Different groups of female Bandicota bengalensis were fed on cereal based baits of standard doses of cholecalciferol (0.075%), bromadiolone (0.005%) and four different combinations of their lower concentrations for 3 d in no-choice and toxicity, bait consumption, changes in calcium and phosphorous levels in serum, and blood clotting time measured. Complete mortality of rats was observed at all the treatments within 3–7 d. Acceptance of treated over plain baits varied from 74.0 to 92.4 per cent. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in calcium and phosphorous levels in serum and blood clotting time was recorded after 48h of treatment with baits containing cholecalciferol and bromadiolone, respectively. The cost of rodenticides in different combination baits was very low from that involved in standard baits. The use of combination bait containing 0.005 per cent cholecalciferol and 0.001 per cent bromadiolone for population management of B. bengalensis is suggested.