This study assessed the efficacy of a calcium salt of methionine hydroxy analog (MHA-Ca, 84%) relative to dl-methionine (dl-Met, 99%) in starter pigs. In Experiment 1 (Exp. 1, N balance trial), 42 individually housed barrows (Genesus, average initial BW 19 kg) were used in two blocks of 21 pigs each with six replicates per treatment. Within each block, pigs were randomly allotted to seven diets: a methionine (Met)-deficient basal diet or the basal diet with three added levels of dl-Met (0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06%) or MHA-Ca (0.024%, 0.048% and 0.071%) on an equimolar basis. After a 7-day adaptation period, feces and urine were collected quantitatively for 5 days. Urinary and total N outputs decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with dl-Met or MHA-Ca supplementation. Nitrogen retention, expressed as g/day and as % of intake increased linearly (P < 0.01) with dl-Met and MHA-Ca supplementations. The relative efficacy of MHA-Ca to dl-Met was estimated to be 71.2% on a product-to-product basis for N retention expressed as % of intake. In Exp. 2 (performance trial), 280, 21-day-old crossbred (Pietrain × (Landrace × Large White)) pigs (eight pigs per pen, seven pens per treatment), were allocated to five diets in a completely randomized block design after a 10-day adaptation period. The Met-deficient basal diet contained 16.5% CP and 0.21% Met. Other diets were basal diet supplemented with two graded levels of dl-Met (0.04% and 0.08%) or MHA-Ca (0.062% and 0.12%) on a product basis at a dl-Met to MHA-Ca ratio of 65 : 100 at the expense of maize. BW and feed disappearance were monitored weekly for 3 weeks to determine performance. Final BW, average daily gain and average daily feed intake increased (P < 0.05) and feed to gain ratio decreased (P < 0.05) with the addition of Met to the basal diet irrespective of the source. Overall, the N retention results of Exp. 1 showed that the average relative bioavailability of MHA-Ca to dl-Met to support N retention (% of N intake) was 71% on a product- to-product basis (85% on an equimolar basis). In Exp. 2, pig performance was not different when Met was supplemented in the Met-deficient diet at a dl-Met to MHA-Ca ratio of 65 : 100 on a product basis.

DDT and BHC were used prior to 1954 as grain protectant but gradually malathion was adopted as prophylactic spray at 50 mg/m2. However, during the continuous usage, doses were enhanced up to 150 mg/m2 to meet the level of effective kill. Toxicity studies on different surfaces, seeds, moisture content level, different insects and stages and emergence of resistance were carried out with respect to malathion and several newer insecticides. DDVP was incorporated in spray schedule at 100 mg/m2. Toxicity data on 17 insecticides, three formulations, persistence on six surfaces and three seeds, tests on 13 insects have been utilized to evolve a strategy for future developments of a prophylactic insecticides. Demerits of switching to new insecticides without broad-based toxicity data have also been advocated. Insects, such as, larva of Trogoderma granarium Everts and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.), Rhizopertha dominica Fab., Callosobruchus maculatus Fab., Lasioderma serricorne Fab. and Sitophilus oryzae Linn, among beetles and Ephestia cautella (Wlk.) and Corcyra cephalonica Staint from moths were found least susceptible to most of the insecticides. Etrimfos and deltamethrin were adjudged superior for large scale use specially as wettable powder and adjudged suitable to sub-tropical conditions. The paper also provides information on currently used insecticides in India, methods of grain storage at rural and organized level and various constraints faced in the developing countries.