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A formulation of zinc phosphide with reduced active ingredient (40% concentrate) was evaluated for its rodenticidal activity in wheat, rice and sugarcane crops at farmer fields of Punjab, India. Comparison was made with the existing formulation (80% concentrate) and second generation anticoagulant bromadiolone (0.25% concentrate). Cereal based baits containing different doses of new (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) and existing zinc phosphide (2%) and bromadiolone (0.005%) were applied through burrow baiting where Bandicota bengalensis, Mus booduga, Millardia meltada and Tatera indica were the predominant rodents. The reduction in rodent activity was determined based on pre- and post-treatment bait census. Results revealed that 2% and 2.5% bait formulations of new zinc phosphide are as effective as the existing/ recommended zinc phosphide (2%) and bromadiolone (0.005%) bait formulations.

Crop raiding has been reported in many parts of Punjab as a result of an overabundance of nilgai antelopes (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and farmers are constantly battling to save their crops. In the present study, various management strategies such as physical deterrents (nylon rope, nylon net and garden net), visual repellents (scarecrow and reflective ribbon), chemical repellents (different concentrations of Neelbo and Ecodon (based on ricinoleic acid) applied by spraying, soaking jute rope, soaked in wood shavings packed in plastic bags and paper cups) and biological deterrents (bioacoustic device and different concentrations of faecal solution of horse, tiger and Himalayan black bear) were evaluated to minimize the damage caused by nilgai. Nylon net was the most promising method, providing complete protection against nilgai, which can be used for protecting crops at vulnerable stages with a one-time cost. The nylon rope and garden net provided partial protection from nilgai damage. The bioacoustic device and reflective ribbon were also effective for a short period of time. Neelbo was found more effective as chemical repellent against nilgai. The faecal solution of horse and Himalayan black bear remained effective as repellent for 10 days. It is thus concluded that while comprehensive damage prevention may be difficult, animal management devices can help reduce nilgai damage at vulnerable stages of the crop. The employment of a range of management devices at the proper time can be part of a cost-effective system to keep nilgai damage at acceptable levels.

Investigation to manage rodent pests in wheat crop sown with different tillage methods was conducted. The results revealed maximum efficacy in the form of control success (%) on plain bait consumption and burrow count basis with conventional (92.30) followed by zero tillage (84.74) and maize residue tillage (74.38). In these, rodenticide treatments with double burrow baiting was followed by single paper baiting. Lesser % cut tillers (0.39-0.53) and damage 9.56-15.71 kg/ 0.4 ha were observed in these. Burrow count in maize residue and zero tillage was 2.15 and 1.60x more than conventional tillage. Thus, rodenticide treatments with double burrow baiting at vegetative stage in December (bromadialone followed by zinc phosphide at 15 days interval) along with paper baiting (bromadialone) at reproductive stage (end February to 1st week of March) can be recommended against rodents in wheat crop to get higher economic returns (Rs.452.36-556.81/ 0.4 ha).

Five blocks of farmer’s sugarcane fields were selected in district Jalandhar, Punjab during December 2016 to February 2017. These blocks were treated with 2% zinc phosphide (ZnP), 2% ZnP+ 0.005% bromadiolone (Br), 2% ZnP+ 0.25% triptolide (Tr) and 2% ZnP+ 0.005% Br+ 0.25% Tr at cane maturation stage; and 5th block was kept as untreated control. The post census and % re-buildup of rodents after 30 and 45 days of Tr treatment and cut canes (%) were significantly less in rodenticides+ Tr treated blocks (ZnP+ Tr and ZnP+ Br+ Tr) as compared to blocks treated only with rodenticides (ZnP alone and ZnP + Br). However, burrows and yield loss were found to be significantly less with ZnP+ Br+ Tr treatment. Thus, antifertilty agent, triptolide can be used along with rodenticides for better control of rodents in sugarcane.

Summary This first comprehensive report from Punjab province of India relates to patho-physiological alterations alongwith morpho-molecular characterisation and risk assessment of natural infections of Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana in 291commensal rodents including house rat, Rattus rattus (n=201) and lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bangalensis (n=90). Small intestine of 53.61 and 64.95 % rats was found infected with H. diminuta and H. nana, respectively with a concurrent infection rate of 50.86 %. There was no association between male and female rats and H. diminuta and H. nana infections (ᵡ2 = 0.016 and 0.08, respectively, d.f.= 1, P>0.05), while the host age had significant effect on prevalence of H. diminuta and H. nana (ᵡ2 = 28.12 and 7.18, respectively, d.f.= 1, P≤0.05) infection. Examination of faecal samples and intestinal contents revealed globular shaped eggs of H. diminuta without polar filaments (76.50 ± 3.01μm x 67.62 ± 2.42 μm), while smaller sized oval eggs of H. nana were with 4 – 8 polar filaments (47.87 ± 1.95 μm x 36.12 ± 3.05 μm). Cestode infection caused enteritis, sloughing of intestinal mucosa, necrosis of villi and inflammatory reaction with infiltration of mononuclear cells in the mucosa and submucosa. Morphometric identification of the adult cestodes recovered from the intestinal lumen was confirmed by molecular characterisation based on nuclear ITS-2 loci which showed a single band of 269 bp and 242 bp for H. diminuta and H. nana, respectively. Pairwise alignment of the ITS-2 regions showed 99.46 % similarity with sequences of H. diminuta from USA and 100 % similarity with sequences of H. nana from Slovakia, Kosice.

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of synthetic predatory cue containing sulphurous odours as an area repellent to reduce rodent damage. Groups of mature Rattus rattus of both...

The present study aimed to record the prevalence, risk factors, molecular identification, and phylogeny of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis found in the small intestine of the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis, a wild rodent species.A total of 100 bandicoot rats live trapped at two commensal urban locations (50 each), i.e., a fish market and railway station, in Ludhiana, Punjab State (India), from November 2020 to October 2021, were analysed for the presence of N. brasiliensis, a nematode parasite of zoonotic importance.Overall, the small intestine of 43.00% of the rats was found severely infected with bright red coloured adult N. brasiliensis of both sexes (total of 1439 specimens). Faecal samples contained ellipsoidal and thin-shelled eggs measuring 62.25-74.70 m in length and 33.20-37.35 m in breadth. No significant (P 0.05) effect of host age, sex, or season was observed on the rate of infection. The parasite intensity and mean abundance ranged from 27.68-38.04 and 10.52-18.26, respectively, indicating a high risk of disease transmission. Based on the morphology, the nematode parasite was identified as Nippostrongylus sp. Molecular identification was confirmed through PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene, which showed a single band of approximately 355 bp. A comparison of the present isolate with the available sequences of Nippostrongylus species across the globe showed 100% nucleotide homology with N. brasiliensis sequences available in GenBank from Japan (AP017690), the USA (U57035), and New Zealand (NC033886).The study indicates that B. bengalensis inhabiting commensal urban areas is a reservoir host for N. brasiliensis, which if transmitted to humans and animals visiting the area may pose a potential health risk. The study thus suggests proper rodent population management close to human habitations to avoid the transmission of disease-causing agents.

Implementation research with pre- and post-comparison was planned to improve the quality of evidence-based intrapartum care services in Indian medical schools. We present the baseline study results to assess the status of adherence to intrapartum evidence-based practices (IP-EBP) in study schools in 3 states in India and the perception of the faculty.A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to conduct the baseline assessment in 9 medical schools in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Union Territory from October 2018 to June 2019. IP-EBP among pregnant women in uncomplicated first (n=135), second (n=120), and third stage (n=120) of labor were observed using a predesigned, pretested checklist quantitatively. We conducted in-depth interviews with 33 obstetrics and gynecology faculty to understand their perceptions of intrapartum practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22). COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behavior) model was used to understand the behaviors, and thematic analysis was done for the qualitative data.Unindicated augmentation of labor was done in 64.4%, fundal pressure applied in 50.8%, episiotomy done in 58.3%, and delivery in lithotomy position was performed in 86.7% of women in labor.Intrapartum practices that are not recommended were routinely practiced in the study medical schools due to a lack of staff awareness of evidence-based practices and incorrect beliefs about their impact.

The present morphometric coproscopic study was aimed to investigate the protozoan infections in synanthropic rodents of urban areas from Punjab. Faecal samples of total 65 rodents of two species i.e. the house rat, Rattus rattus (n=40) and the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis (n=25) collected from residences/shops, poultry farms and fish market at Ludhiana (Punjab), India were examined by formaldehyde–ether sedimentation and modified kinyoun acid fast stain for the presence of protozoan parasites. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 32.30% rats comprising 36% B. bengalensis and 30% R. rattus. Morphometric examination of the acid-fast stained faecal smear revealed ovoid oocysts (average size of 7.70-9.8 x 5.5-7.0 ?m) of Cryptosporidium whose morphology resembled that of C. muris. Precysts/cysts of Giardia sp. were also identified in 4.61% of the stained faecal smears. This is the first report of concurrent C. muris and Giardia sp. infections in synanthropic rodents of urban domestic and peridomestic area of Punjab, India.

There are several reports on development of resistance to bromadiolone in different species of rodents around the globe, however, there is no such report involving systematic study from India. Hence, present study was carried out to investigate current status of bromadiolone resistance in house rat (Rattus rattus; n=154) collected from different poultry farms (n=8) based on feeding test, blood clotting response (BCR) test and molecular characterization of VKORC1 gene. Based on feeding test and BCR test, 28% rats were suspected to be resistant. Molecular analysis of VKORC1 gene of four suspected to be resistant rats having Prothrombin Time (PT)

Average duration of pro-estrous, estrous, met-estrous and di-estrous stages in one oestrous cycle of female Indian gerbil, Tatera indica was found 0.61, 0.38, 0.62 and 1.37 days, respectively with total average duration of one cycle to be 2.99 days. Pairing of cyclic female gerbils with mature males resulted in 88% breeding success within gestation period of 21-24 days. Post-partum estrous was observed immediately after parturition in females not separated from males. Observations on onset of sexual maturity in female pups of seven different age groups (30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days old) revealed significant increase in body weight and weights of ovary and uterus, plasma level of estradiol and activity of 3â-HSD in ovarian tissue with increasing age. Sexual maturity in female T. indica was attained at age of 3-4 months. It is therefore suggested to apply control measures before they reproduce and cause damage to crops.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of quinestrol (a synthetic estradiol) in male lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis. Effect was studied on body weight, weight of vital organs, changes in level of biochemical parameters and genotoxicity. Feeding of bait containing 0.01% quinestrol in bi-choice and 0.02 and 0.03% quinestrol in no-choice for a period of 10 days resulted in total ingestion of 19.50, 67.60 and 243.30 mg/kg bwt, respectively of the active ingredient. Autopsy of rats after 15 and 30 days of treatment withdrawal revealed no significant effect on body weight and weights of vital organs of rats. A significant decrease in the testicular levels of 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and increase in total soluble proteins was observed in rats treated with 0.02 and 0.03% quinestrol. The plasma levels of lipid peroxidation in the form of malondialdehyde concentration and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly whereas the level of testosterone decreased significantly in treated rats. The plasma levels of acid and alkaline phosphatases, superoxide dismutase and total proteins differed non-significantly among rats of treated and untreated groups. The effect was found reversed partially in rats autopsied after 60 days of treatment withdrawal. No micronuclei in bone marrow cells, no aberrations in chromosomes and no DNA damage in blood cells during comet assay indicated no genotoxic effect of quinestrol on B. bengalensis at the test doses administered. The results thus revealed that quinestrol causes reversible toxic effects in the form of oxidative stress, increased lytic enzyme activity and decreased steroidogenesis which may further lead to testicular damage thereby inhibiting reproductive function. Also more effect was shown at higher doses ingested in no-choice test as compared to low doses ingested in bi-choice tests.

Plant based non-lethal repellents are most suitable for rodent control. Present studies were conducted to increase the efficacy of eucalyptus oil as repellent against black rat, Rattus rattus by its controlled release through encapsulated wax blocks. Mature and healthy R. rattus of both sexes were exposed to 5, 10 and 20 % eucalyptus oil encapsulated in wax blocks in laboratory pens in bi-choice tests. Each concentration was applied through three different modes of application i.e. daily, once a week, and every second day per week. Repellent effect of the oil was assessed based on food consumption from treated and untreated sides of a chamber for four days a week. Food consumption was found to be significantly (P ≤ 0.05) low from treatment side as compared to that observed on untreated side at all the three concentrations tested indicating repellent effect of the eucalyptus oil against R. rattus. Percent repellency with eucalyptus oil encapsulated in wax blocks at all the three concentrations was found to be similar. Being the minimum effective concentration, present studies suggest the use of 5 % eucalyptus oil encapsulated in wax blocks as repellent against R. rattus. This method may be used as part of integrated pest management technology for managing rats in enclosed store houses.

Screening of 83 mature wild rodents of Bandicota bengalensis (52 male and 31 females), live trapped from premises near railway station, fish market and agricultural fields in Ludhiana district of Punjab province, India was carried out to assess the natural occurrence of helminth parasites and their potential as reservoirs of zoonoses. On necropsy, intestine of rats was found infected with adult cestode parasites of Hymenolepis diminuta and H. nana. Liver was found infected with Capillaria hepatica and Cysticercus fasciolaris. These parasites were present either alone or as concurrent infection. In overall, 68.67 % rats were found infected of which 59.65 % were infected with nematode parasite, C. hepatica and 75.44 % with cestode parasites. Grossly, pathognomonic lesions of C. hepatica and C. fasciolaris were seen clearly and microscopic changes were observed only in severely infected cases. Overall investigation on the effect of these parasitic infections on pathophysiology of the host revealed that rodents serve as reservoirs of these parasitic infections without having much pathogenic effect on their vital organs, fecundity and enzyme activities. Because of its close association with human habitations, B. bengalensis may act as an important source of zoonotic infections and thus direct or indirect contact with excrements and carcasses of this rodent species, should be avoided.

Different groups (5 rats of each sex per group) of mature male and female Bandicota bengalensis were administered single oral doses of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D 3 ) dissolved in groundnut oil (vehicle) @ 20, 30, 40, 50, 80 and 100 mg kg −1 body weight (bwt). Rats of untreated control groups were administered 1 mL of the vehicle only. During pre and post treatment periods, rats were fed on food consisting of loose mixture of broken wheat, powdered sugar and vegetable oil in ratio of 96:2:2. At a dosage of 50 mg kg −1 bwt, cent percent mortality of rats was observed within 3–7 days in male and 3–11 days in female rats with LD 50 of 30.92 and 34.94 mg kg −1 bwt, respectively. Post treatment food consumption by rats was significantly low from pre treatment food consumption at all the doses tested. A significant increase in calcium and phosphorous levels in serum was observed in all the rats after 48 h of treatment at a dose of 40 and 50 mg kg −1 bwt. Besides, lymphomononuclear cell infiltration, cellular degeneration and mineralization in different tissues of heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, stomach, spleen, ovaries and testes of treated rats was observed. Present study suggests the potential of cholecalciferol for management of B. bengalensis .

The toxicity of standard doses of the rodenticides cholecalciferol and bromadiolone and different combinations of their use at reduced concentrations were compared against lesser bandicoot rats, Bandicota bengalensis. Mature and healthy B. bengalensis were live trapped, acclimatized, weighed and divided into groups. Cereal based baits of standard doses of cholecalciferol (0.075%) and bromadiolone (0.005%) and four combinations at lower than standard concentrations were fed to different groups of rats for 3 days in no-choice feeding tests. Rats of the control group were fed on plain food. Whole blood of treated and untreated rats was collected before treatment and 48 h of treatment to determine changes in levels of calcium and phosphorous and clotting time. 100% mortality of rats was caused at all the treatments with in 3–6 days. Acceptance of treatment baits over plain food was found to vary from 62 to 92%. A significant increase in serum levels of calcium (P ≤ 0.05) and phosphorous (P ≤ 0.05) was recorded after 48 h of treatment in groups of rats fed on bait containing the standard dose of cholecalciferol as well as the four combination baits. In groups of rats fed on the standard dose of bromadiolone as well as the four combinations, a significant increase in blood clotting time after 48 h of treatment as revealed by the increase in prothrombin time (P ≤ 0.05) and international normalized ratio (P ≤ 0.05) was observed. The consumption of treatment bait on day 3 of treatment was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less from that consumed on days 1 and 2 of treatment. Present studies suggest the bait combination having lowest concentrations of bromadiolone (0.001%) and cholecalciferol (0.005%) to be cost effective for population management of B. bengalensis.

The house rat, Rattus rattus (Linnaeus), is responsible for causing severe damage in outdoor commercial grain stores where rodent proofing is not possible. Rodenticides are the preferred option for preventing rodent attacks. However, secondary poisoning and development of bait shyness and resistance among rodents after exposure to toxic chemicals has increased the search for new, safe, ecofriendly and effective control methods, which can prevent damage for a long duration. In the present study, the effectiveness and persistence of cinnamic aldehyde as an antifeedant against R. rattus were evaluated. Cinnamic aldehyde treated bait at 5% concentration was effective as an antifeedant and secondary repellent against R. rattus in bi-choice feeding tests. The antifeedant effect was retained for at least 14 days after treatment. There was no significant difference between consumption of treated and untreated bait during the first four hours of exposure of rats under bi-choice feeding tests, indicating absence of a primary repellent effect of cinnamic aldehyde. Feeding bait mixed with 5% cinnamic aldehyde continuously for 27 days in bi-choice feeding tests revealed the persistence of the antifeedant effect. This study demonstrated that 5% cinnamic aldehyde can be used under field conditions to prevent the damage caused by house rats for long durations. A formulation of 5% cinnamic aldehyde containing sodium bicarbonate as an emulsifier prevented rodent damage in terms of consumption of wheat grains, number of cuts on bags, quantity of grains spilled from bags cut by rats and percent damage due to rat urine under simulated storage conditions in laboratory pens for durations up to the experimental period of 15 days. Study of feeding behaviour in feed scale consumption monitoring also confirmed the secondary repellent effect of cinnamic aldehyde against the house rat. Our results indicate that the sodium bicarbonate emulsified formulation of 5% cinnamic aldehyde has the potential to protect stored products from rodent damage in a manner that is effective, persistent and environmentally acceptable.

Present study reports post-ingestional effects of red chilli in stomach of house rat, Rattus rattus. Three different groups of female rats (5 per group) were fed on bait containing 1 and 2% red chilli powder and plain bait, respectively. Histomorphological study revealed cellular degeneration of gastric region, sloughing and distortion of superficial layer of epithelium and lymphocytic infiltration in the treated groups of rats. Histoenzymic study revealed an increase in AKPase and decrease in LDH, SDH, G-6-PD and GLD activities in glandular stomach of treated groups of rats. The present study revealed that the ingestion of red chilli powder causes gastric lesions and variation in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and oxidoreductases.

Mature and healthy male lesser bandicoot rats, Bandicota bengalensis (n = 40) were fed on bait (mixture of cracked wheat and powdered sugar in 98:2) containing different concentrations of triptolide (0, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25% w/w) for 15 days in two-choice trials. Results revealed no significant effect of triptolide treatment on weights of vital organs after 30 and 60 days of treatment withdrawal. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in plasma levels of TP, ALP, ACP, ALT and AST in response to stress induced in groups of rats treated with 0.20 and 0.25% triptolide was observed after 30 days of treatment withdrawal. No significant effect of treatment was observed on histomorphology of liver. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect of triptolide treatment was, however, observed on testicular function in the form of reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules and number of various spermatogenic cells indicating effect on spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. The cell stages affected did not recover fully within 60 days period following treatment withdrawal. The present study suggests the potential of triptolide in the reproductive management of B. bengalensis by way of affecting testicular function.

Survey of farmers from ten villages of districts Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Sangrur in Punjab (India) from 2000–01 to 2008–09 revealed that farmers’ knowledge, general attitude and rodent control practices were similar across villages. Overall, 60.0–100.0% farmers were found conducting rodent control operations mostly using zinc phosphide without pre-baiting. Farmers (60.0–80.0%) used to conduct rodent control only at maturity stages of crops when rodents exhibit frequent visible movement and inflict extensive damage. After survey, farmers were educated and motivated to conduct rodent control operations as per recommendations. Post-implementation survey of farmers revealed varied level of adoption for different control practices in different villages. Farmers started conducting rodent control operations in an integrated way and used both zinc phosphide and bromadiolone baits (82.0–100.0%). Damage census revealed comparatively less damage to wheat (Triticum aestivun L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) crops in villages where education along with free rodenticide baits were provided to the farmers compared to the areas where neither rodenticide baits nor education was imparted. Survey of 20–30 farmers of two villages where training had been previously conducted revealed that the impact remains only while farmers are given free rodenticide baits along with education and field demonstrations. Once this practice is stopped, the use of integrated practices decreased. From the present investigation, it is concluded that a thorough education of the farmers along with the distribution of rodenticide baits at regular intervals is a pre-requisite for successful planning of the community programme in rodent control.

Farmer field trials on determination of critical timings of rodenticide bait application in sugarcane crop were conducted in two districts of Punjab (India) during 2007–2010 for modification in already recommended practice. Sugarcane crop at all the experimental locations was surrounded by rice–wheat crops in rotation and infested predominantly with Bandicota bengalensis. Results of experiments conducted during 2007 and 2008 at two locations each revealed no significant difference in overall reduction in rodent activity and damage between fields given single (during October–November) and double (first in July and second in October–November) rodenticide treatments due to rapid rebuild up in rodent population after every treatment thus indicating the need of two treatments as per the previous recommendation. Results of experiment conducted during 2009–2010 at two locations revealed significantly (P

Present study reports the effect of triptolide in male Bandicota bengalensis. One group of rats was kept as vehicle control and the other three groups were fed on bait containing 0.15, 0.2 and 0.25% triptolide. Autopsy of rats immediately after 15 days of treatment period revealed no significant effect on weights of vital organs. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in plasma levels of total proteins, alkaline and acid phosphatases and alanine and aspartate aminotransferases in response to stress induced by triptolide was observed in treated groups of rats. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect of treatment was also observed on histomorphology of testis in the form of decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter and number of various spermatogenic cells. Giant cells containing several round nuclei within a single cytoplasmic boundary were also observed in treated rats. Present studies suggest the antifertility potential of triptolide against male B. bengalensis. Introduction Rodents constitute the largest and most successful group of mammals worldwide. Among different rodent species, lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis Gray and Hardwicke has been reported as the most detrimental pest. It is the predominant species inhabiting irrigated crop fields and causing heavy losses in Punjab, India (Singla and Parshad 2010, Singla and Babbar 2010, 2012). The species also acts as reservoir of a number of parasites of zoonotic importance (Singla et al 2008, 2013). The economic losses and health problems associated with this pest species emphasize the need to develop techniques for its management. The use of rodenticides is the main approach being followed to tackle rodent problems all over the world. However, the excessive use of rodenticides have resulted in non target toxicity hazards (Brakes and Smith, 2005) in addition to development of resistance among animals (Pelz and Klemann 2004). Moreover, due to their high rate of reproduction, rodents rapidly rebuildup their population after a successful control operation with rodenticides (Shilova and Tchabovsky 2009). So the challenge is to develop strategies which can reduce the reproductive output of rodents and be effective in long term. Triptolide, a diterpenoid triepoxide obtained from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook, has several forms of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility and anticancer activities (Zhang et al 2010). However, the clinical use of triptolide is known to present several practical disadvantages mainly due to its lower water solubility such as toxicity towards the heart, liver and kidney; reproductive dysfunction and hematopoietic dysfunction (Yang et al 2012, Zhang et al 2011). Earlier studies on antifertility effects of triptolide were conducted in laboratory rats and mice keeping in view the development of an oral human contraceptive (Lue et al 1998, Sinha Hikim et al 2000, Huynh et al 2000, Ni et al 2008, Liu et al 2010). Deng et al (2011) studied antifertility potential of oral doses of extracts of T. hypoglaucum containing triptolide against Mongolian gerbils keeping in view their management. In India, for the first time, Singla et al (2013) reported antifertility potential of triptolide fed in cereal based bait against house rat, Rattus rattus. Our previous studies (Dhar and Singla 2013) have reported complete inhibition of reproduction in female B. bengalensis paired with male rats treated with 0.2 and 0.25% triptolide in bait immediately after treatment withdrawal. Autopsy of rats immediately after termination of treatment have revealed significant effect of triptolide treatment on weights reproductive organs, sperm motility, viability, density and sperm morphology. Present studies report the effect of triptolide treatment on weights of vital organs, blood biochemical parameters and histomorphology of testes in male B. bengalensis. Material and Methods The present study was carried out in the Animal House Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Punjab Ag ricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Collection and maintenance of animals Mature and healthy male lesser bandicoot rat, B. bengalensis were live-trapped with multi-catch rat traps from crop fields in and around Ludhiana. In the laboratory, rats were acclimatized individually in cages for 10-15 days before the experiment with food and water provided ad libitum. Food consisted of a loose mixture of cracked wheat, powdered sugar and groundnut oil (WSO bait) at a ratio of 96:2:2. Proper hygienic conditions were maintained. Approval of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee was obtained for the use of animals. Treatment Triptolide (molecular formula C20H24O6, molecular weight 360.41) was kindly supplied by Pidilite Indus tries, New Delhi, India. Rats (n = 20) were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The average body weight of rats in different groups ranged from 248 to 311.2 g. There was no significant difference in average body weight of rats among the four groups. Rats of groups II–IV were fed on bait containing 0.15, 0.2 and 0.25% triptolide, respectively for 15 days in bi-choice with WSO bait. Treatment bait was prepared by mixing the de sired concentration of triptolide in a mixture of cracked wheat and powdered sugar (98:2). Triptolide was mixed in bait after being dissolved in vehicle (1% sodium carboxy methyl cellulose solution). Rats of group I, fed on WSO bait containing vehicle were kept as untreated control. Water was provided ad libitum throughout the treatment. Effect on weights of vital organs At autopsy of rats immediately after termination of treat

The present study was conducted to determine the diet of Spotted Owlet Athene brama. Analysis of 200 regurgitated pellets collected from eight different locations in Punjab (India) determined average weight, length, breadth and thickness to be 1.0g, 27.0mm, 16.0mm and 12.0mm, respectively. Remains of a total 433 individual prey were found in these pellets. Diet of Spotted Owlet consisted of both vertebrates (45.7%) and invertebrates (54.3%). Among vertebrates, mice (45.0%) were predominant, followed by frogs (0.5%) and birds (0.2%). Among invertebrates, diet mainly consisted of insects (53.8%) followed by molluscs (0.5%). Insects preyed upon by Spotted Owlet were predominantly of orders Coleoptera (34.9%), followed by Orthoptera (10.2%), Dermaptera (7.9%) and some unidentified orders (0.9%). The remnants of insects and molluscs in the pellets comprised of wings, legs, head, shells etc. The average number of mice consumed per pellet was 1.32, with a maximum capacity of consuming up to five mice per night.

The aim of this study was to recommend locality-specific rodent pest management techniques for sugarcane using acute and anticoagulant rodenticides during the months when maximum damage is inflicted on the crop in Punjab, India. Sugarcane crops were found to be infested with four rodent species namely: Bandicota bengalensis (Gray and Hardwicke); Mus booduga (Gray); Millardia meltada (Gray) and Golunda ellioti (Gray), with B. bengalensis being the most prevalent species (accounting for 69.45–83.36% of the total catch). Surveys in 11 villages of three districts of Punjab (India) revealed 19.12 ± 12.22% rodent damage to the sugarcane crop during the months of December–January. Rodenticide treatments were conducted in farmer's fields in two districts of Punjab from December 2003 to January 2007. The results revealed that, to protect the sugarcane crop from rodent damage during the months of December–January, the rodenticide treatment may be applied either: (1) by double-baiting with 2% zinc phosphide followed...

We monitored the prevalence of endoparasitic infections of rodents in Punjab State, India, between January 2004 and December 2005. Three species of wild rodents, namely the house rat, Rattus rattus (n= 42), the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis (n= 34) and the Indian gerbil, Tatera indica (n= 15), were live-captured from houses and crop fields. Examination of various organs revealed that the highest rates of endoparasitic infection occurred in R. rattus (40.5%), followed by B. bengalensis (35.3 %) and then T. indica (20.0%), with an overall infection rate of 35.2%. All three rodent species were found naturally infected with one or more species of helminths. Metacestodes (1-6) of Cysticercus fasciolaris (larvae of Taenia taeniaeformis) were found in all three rodent species (in the liver). In one male T. indica, numerous robust T. taeniaeformis metacestodes were found in oval sacs attached to the mesentery and the abdominal wall, an unusual site. The cauda epididymal fluid of the same gerbil was also found to be infected with a very rare species of strongylid nematode, which could not be identified to genus or species level. It is possible that this nematode is transmitted sexually and thus may affect the reproductive potential of gerbils. This appears to be the first report of this phenomenon. In one B. bengalensis individual, the intestine was found to be obstructed with an acanthocephalan, Moniliformis moniliformis, with concurrent infection with C. fasciolaris in the form of multiple cysts in the liver. Although no natural protozoan infection was found in these field rodents, experimental Trypanosoma evansi infection has been established in all three species with high pathogenicity, and the possibility of sexual transmission was supported by the presence of T. evansi in the cauda epididymal fluid of male rats.

The field efficacy of 2% zinc phosphide and 0.005% bromadiolone baits at two different crop stages for reducing rodent damage and yield loss in groundnut crop was evaluated. Trials were conducted at farmer's fields at villages Powat and Sehjomajra of district Ludhiana and village Kalsian of district Sangrur in Punjab (India). Reduction in rodent activity and damage was compared when given single treatment in the month of September at pod maturity stage (using either zinc phosphide or bromadiolone) and when given two treatments, first in the month of August (using zinc phosphide) at pod formation stage and second in the month of September (using bromadiolone). Results revealed significantly (P⩾0.05) higher reduction in rodent activity with two rodenticide treatments (79.98-92.18%) than single treatment (54.37-67.82%). The reduction in rodent damage compared to untreated reference fields was found to be 87-100% in fields given two treatments and 44.43-87.54% in fields given single treatment.

Blood clotting response (BCR) test is a faster method with fewer ethical constraints than feed-testing and is widely used to monitor resistance. The second-generation anticoagulant, bromadiolone is being used to control rodents all over India for the last several years. To investigate whether its use has resulted in development of resistance in house rat, Rattus rattus, BCR test was standardized. Plasma samples of 15 rats of both the sexes were pooled separately and diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4). Ten different dilutions of plasma i.e. 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100% were tested for Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) using rabbit brain thromboplastin reagent in coagulation analyzer. Time to clotting was converted into percent clotting activity (PCA) relative to plasma dilutions, to plot a standard curve. The PT of 15.7 and 17.6 sec for 100% plasma corresponded to INR of 0.8 and 0.9 in male and female rats, respectively. PCA of 22.3% corresponded with PT and INR of 70.3 sec and 3.8, respectively in male rats and PCA of 27.6% corresponded with PT and INR of 63.6 sec and 3.5, respectively in female rats. Data for PT and INR and standard curve for PCA vs PT prepared during present study can be further used to determine current status of bromadiolone resistance in R. rattus populations based on discriminating dose of bromadiolone.

The house rat (Rattus rattus) is the most destructive commensal rodent pest causing severe damage to stored grains. Use of natural products as aversive agents against rodent pests can be a safe alternative to chemical pesticides. In the present study, the potential of 2% red chilli powder and 0.3% capsicum oleoresin (containing capsaicin as active ingredient) as aversive agents was evaluated against R. rattus of both the sexes under simulated store conditions. Results showed that both red chilli powder and capsicum oleoresin applied as spray on jute bags containing wheat grains prevented rodent damage to bags and grains in terms of reduced number of cuts to bags, spillage of grains and consumption of grains by rats. Study suggests the use of red chilli powder and capsicum oleoresin sprays on bags as a method to be integrated with rodenticide usage.

Triptolide has been reported to cause antifertility in male rats and mice. However, studies on female rats have been limited. Present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of triptolide on reproduction of wild female rodent pest species, Bandicota bengalensis. Feeding of bait containing 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2% triptolide for a period of 15 days in bi-choice resulted in per day ingestion of 17.37, 23.54 and 27.49 mg/kg body weight of triptolide, respectively. Examination of vaginal smear of all the rats revealed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in duration of estrous cycle due to increase in durations of metestrous and diestrous stages in rats of treated groups. Autopsy of rats after 15 and 30 days of treatment withdrawal revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in weights of uterus and ovaries, non-significant reduction in weights of liver and levels of estradiol and progesterone and significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in levels of urea and BUN and increase in levels of plasma proteins, ALT, AST, ALP, ACP and LDH in rats of treated groups compared to untreated group. There was no significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect of treatment on body weight. Triptolide treatment affected the histomorphology of uterus by causing a decrease in lumen and columnar cell height and number of uterine glands and ovary by increasing the number of atretic follicles and decreasing the number of developing follicles. The present study suggests triptolide to be a strong candidate affecting reproduction of female B. bengalensis.

Rodent repellents are chemicals which by taste or odour or possibly by both will prevent animal from feeding or gnawing. Such substances may be used in protecting an area from rodent infestation or in protecting packaged food, packing materials, electric cables, and other important vulnerable materials. Mature and healthy house rat,Rattus rattusof both sexes, was exposed to 5, 10, and 20% eucalyptus oil applied as spray in laboratory pens in bichoice tests. Each concentration was applied through three different modes of application, that is, daily, once, and alternatively in a week. Repellent effect of the oil was assessed based on food consumption from treated and untreated sides for four days. In overall, food consumption was significantly (P<0.0001) low from treatment side compared to the untreated side indicating significant repellent effect of the oil at all the three concentrations tested. Repellent effect of the oil was, however, not found to differ significantly between the two sexes. Percent repellency in both male and female rats was apparently more with daily application of 5 and 10% eucalyptus oil. Present studies reveal the potential of eucalyptus oil in repelling awayR. rattus; however, further studies may be conducted to enhance the persistence of repellent effect for longer period of time.

Mature and healthy male house rats, Rattus rattus (n= 160) were fed on bait (cracked wheat: powdered sugar, 98:2) containing different concentrations of triptolide (0.1, 0.05, 0.025 and 0%) for 7 and 14 days in no-choice and bi-choice feeding tests in the laboratory. The objective of the study was to record the antifertility affects of triptolide after 30 and 60 days of termination of treatment. Results revealed no significant effect of triptolide treatment on weights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate gland of rats. Overall, sperm motility, live sperm count, sperm density and sperm morphology in the cauda epididymal fluid were found to differ significantly (P≤ 0.05) between untreated and treated groups of rats. The major effect of triptolide on sperm morphology was in the form of sperm head tail separation, which was up to 56.0% in rats treated for 14 days in no-choice and autopsied after 30 days. A significant effect (P≤ 0.05) of triptolide treatment was observed on the histomorphology of the testis, which included a dose-dependent decrease in diameter of seminiferous tubules, thickness of germinal epithelium and numbers of various spermatogenic cells. Cell associations in the seminiferous epithelial cycle were poorly developed in rats ingesting medium (4.7-5.1 mg/100 g bw) and high doses (6.9-7.2 mg/100 g bw) of triptolide than rats ingesting low doses (1.8-2.3 mg/100 g bw) and untreated rats. The cell stages affected had not recovered fully within the 60 day period following triptolide withdrawal. The present study suggests the potential of triptolide in reproductive management of Rattus rattus.

Current study was designed to evaluate the antifertility effects of nifedipine, a pharmaceutical medicament for high blood pressure. Mature and healthy male lesser Bandicoot rats, Bandicota bengalensis Gray and Hardwicke, were fed on bait (cracked wheat, powdered sugar, groundnut oil 98:2:2) containing 0.1 and 0.05% nifedipine for 12 days in no-choice feeding test to record antifertility effects of nifedipine. The factors studied were the effect on weight of reproductive organs, sperm parameters in cauda epididymal fluid, breeding performance and histomorphology of testis. Nifedipine treatment significantly (P

Sustainability has become a norm in recent years, with realisation of various laws and regulations to protect environment. Business world also understands the significance of environment sustainability and incorporated it as one of the major activities under corporate social responsibilities (CSR). Even IT industry is not behind. IT Industry faces a massive challenge to go green since it utilises the hazardous material to produce hardware which generates a lot of e-waste. Fortunately, IT giants practice the manufacturing, usage and discarding various computer hardware components in more efficient way that minimises damage to the environment. On the other side, where there is significant rise in number of IT small and medium enterprises (SME), these units do not realise the importance of environment sustainability, which is primarily due to cost constraint. The paper proposes a model assisting IT industry, especially IT SMEs, to pursue the goal of environment sustainability so as to get a real value of IT.

The present study reports the natural occurrence and pathomorphological alterations of Capillaria hepatica infection alone and in concurrence with Cysticercus fasciolaris infection in the liver of Bandicota bengalensis. Out of the eighteen mature male B. bengalensis autopsied, livers of eight rats (44.4 %) were found infected with parasites comprising two (11.1 %) rats infected with C. hepatica alone, four (22.2 %) infected with C. fasciolaris alone and two (11.1 %) infected with C. hepatica in concurrence with C. fasciolaris. Gross lesions comprising of pale cystic areas or streaks on the surface of liver in rats revealed the presence of eggs of C. hepatica scattered in the parenchyma of the liver. Histologically, granulomatous reaction around the eggs, adult worms and dead components of parasites were observed.