Evaluation of bait uptake by ricefield rats using Rhodamine B as a bait marker under enclosure conditions

Abstract

Oral delivery of fertility control agents requires information on rates of bait consumption by the target species. In this study, the consumption of cereal bait by wild ricefield rats (Rattus argentiventer) was assessed under enclosure conditions using Rhodamine B (RB) as a bait marker in two baiting rounds. Total bait consumption increased during the first 4 to 5 days of the initial feeding period. After the first round of RB application, high proportions (84.6-100%) of animals were consuming baits in all enclosures. The average daily consumption per individual was around 10.5g/100g body weight. Similarly, following the second round of RB application (14 days after the 1st round) high proportions (93.8-100%) of animals were consuming the bait, and the average daily consumption per individual of 9.8g/100g body weight. The acceptance of bait with respect to sex was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between male and female rats.

Keywords

• bait-marker
• bait uptake
• enclosure
• Rattus argentiventer
• Rhodamine B