Seasonal shifts in giant panda feeding behavior: relationships to bamboo plant part consumption
Abstract The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is classified as a carnivore, yet subsists on a diet comprised almost exclusively of bamboo. Wild and captive giant pandas use highly selective foraging behaviors for processing and consuming bamboo. These behaviors are for the first time quantified in captive giant pandas over a 5-year period of time showing […]
Zinc-finger intron 7: a new locus for sex identification of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Abstract We developed a single-reaction test for identifying the sex of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) targeted to co-amplify homologous fragments with size polymorphism that located at zinc-finger (ZF) intron 7 by using one pair of primers. This assay produced one sex-specific fragment in females (XX genotypes) whereas two fragments were produced in males (XY genotypes). […]
Effects of construction noise on behavior and cortisol levels in a pair of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20098.abs Studies of the effects of ambient noise on animals have found variable results. A study was conducted at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park to determine what effect short-term demolition work would have on the behavior and cortisol excretion of giant pandas. Behavioral and endocrine differences were examined during the presence and absence of […]
Composition of captive giant panda milk
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20056.abs Eleven milk samples were collected from three female giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) during 23 days after delivery. Concentrations of crude protein (CP), lactose (Lac), and three vitamins (VA, VD, VE) in these samples were tested. Concentration of CP, Lac, VA, VD, and VE of these samples in wet basis averaged 6.77±0.78%, 3.23±0.54%, 0.073±0.043 […]
Comparison of storage techniques for giant panda sperm
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10107.abs Semen storage for artificial insemination is an integral part of giant panda captive breeding programs. The development of short- and long-term storage techniques is needed to ensure a viable reserve of germplasm for artificial reproduction. In this study semen collected by electroejaculation from three male pandas was extended in culture medium prior to […]
Commentary: Improving well-being for captive giant pandas: Theoretical and practical issues
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10111.abs Here we present the outcome of a panel discussion from Panda 2000, an International conference held in San Diego, California. The discussion addressed how to use animal motivation theory to develop enrichment programs that will improve physical and psychological well-being for giant pandas in captivity. Wild animals held in captivity too often develop […]
Changes in urinary concentrations of total estrogen and pregnanediol in a female giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) from 1991 to 2000
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10105.abs Total estrogen and pregnanediol concentrations in urine samples from one female giant panda were measured from 1991–2000. This female experienced her first estrus at the age of 5 years 3 months in 1991. From 1992 on, estrous behavior was observed every year between January and June, and the peak values of total estrogen […]
Endocrine monitoring and its application to the management of the giant panda
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10108.abs Urinary estrogens (n=10) and progestins (n=4) were monitored in a total of 10 giant panda females. Estrogens were evaluated with two different immunoassays during the estrous period. The two different methodologies gave similar hormonal profiles, but different quantitative results due to differences in the crossreactivity of the different assay systems. High-pressure liquid chromatography […]
Hormonal and behavioral relationships during estrus in the giant panda
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10027.abs Nonlactating female giant pandas experience a single estrus during the spring mating season. Although both hormonal and behavioral aspects of estrus have been reported on captive females, little is known about the relationship between them. Data were collected on a single captive female during three successive seasons, revealing a high degree of regularity […]
Semen evaluation of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) at the Wolong Reserve
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430130111.abs Semen from 4 wild-caught giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) held at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda was collected (22 samples during 1991–1993) by electroejaculation, and evaluated for use in artificial insemination. Semen characteristics (mean ± SD) recorded were as follows: semen volume–1.5 ± .9 ml (range—0.3–3.5); sperm density 1.5 […]