Successful artificial insemination in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) at ueno zoo
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1989 |
Authors: |
M. Masui, H. Hiramatsu, N. Nose, R. Nakazato, Y. Sagawa, H. Tajima, K. Saito |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
artificial insemination, behavioral estrus, electroejaculation, giant panda, pregnancy |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080104.abs Successful breeding of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) following artificial insemination was achieved at the Ueno Zoo in 2 consecutive years (1985 and 1986). The first cub, born in June 1985, unfortunately died 43 hours after birth from being crushed by the mother panda; the second cub, born in June 1986, has been growing in good health. Electroejaculation and artificial insemination procedures were performed after immobilization with diazepam (0.1 mg/kg) and ketamine HCL (4.0–5.0 mg/kg). Semen of the male panda was collected by electroejaculation using a rectal probe with a diameter of 2.0 cm and with eight rings as electrodes. Stimulation of the male was given with 3 V (30–40 mA) over a 5-sec period with 5-sec intervals. The female panda exhibited estrus between late February and early March in 1985 and also between mid-january and early February 1986. Increased excretion of urinary total estrogen showed coincidentally at maximum behavioral estrus, and a gradual rise of pregnanediol level was followed by artificial insemination. The gestational length for the first pregnancy was 110 days and that of the second 121 days.