Effect of feeding methyl iodide fumigated groundnuts on growth of albino rats.

Methyl iodide (MeI) fumigated (at 32 mg/l. with an exposure of 48 h) groundnuts containing 0.38 p.p.m. of physically bound (free) MeI residue, were incorporated into 2 diets at 12 and 18% protein levels. 21-day old male albino rats (Wistar strain) were fed ad lib. on diets for 8 wk. Protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio, relative growth rate and germ plasm vs. somatoplasm ratio were calculated for both levels after 4 and 8 wk and statistically compared. MeI fumigation did not alter the nutritive value of groundnuts. Histopathological studies revealed no damage to kidney, liver, thyroid and testes.