Growth and development of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) cubs at Beijing Zoo

Abstract

We studied the postnatal body weight gain and development of 11 male and nine female giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca cubs born at Beijing Zoo from 1985 to 1998. Growth rates of the cubs appeared to be sexually dimorphic from the fourth month after birth; the male grew slightly faster than the female cubs. Growth rates between arti®cially fed and naturally fed cubs were signi®cantly different from the fourth month after birth. The growth rate of the arti®cially fed cubs was slightly higher than that of the cubs fed by their mothers, indicating that the substitute milk satis®ed the nutrient needs of the cubs. The body length of the cubs increased rapidly after birth; 8-month-old cubs were three times longer than newborn cubs. Chest circumferences of 8-month-old cubs also increased to twice that of newborn cubs. Tail length relative to body length was reduced from 14.9% at birth to about 8.6% in 8-month-old cubs. Cubs started to grow teeth when they were 3 months old. By the age of 1 year, the cubs had fully grown deciduous teeth. The teeth formula of one 1-year-old cub was 2Á1Á3Á0/2Á1Á3Á0 = 24. We recorded the changes in fur colour, development of the sense organs and limbs of the giant panda cubs. Finally, we compared the body weight and life-history parameters of giant pandas with those of bears and raccoons and discussed the management regime for the care of captive-born giant panda cubs.

Estimation of the growth curve and heritability of the growth rate for giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) cubs

“…Tail length does not change significantly during this time period, which suggests that tail growth does not contribute to or is not associated with survival of the giant panda (Peng et al, 2001). In the current study, the Chapman model was successfully fitted to body length and the chest and knee circumference.…”

“…In this study, the maximum growth rate of giant panda cubs (the inflection point) during the early lactation stage was 74.29 g/d. During the fastest growing period of the early lactation stage (Peng et al, 2001), artificial supplementation of breast milk is essential for improving the survival rate during weaning, and will benefit later growth and development.…”

Experiential Quality, Affective Commitment, Zoo Image, Novelty-Seeking, Experiential Satisfaction and Revisit Intentions

“…The respondents will be required to complete and return the questionnaire to the surveyors around each exit of this visitor attraction. The reason for choosing Beijing Zoo for sample collection is that the number of visitors is large and it is suitable for measuring the zoo visitors' perceptions of experiential quality, affective commitment, image, novelty-seeking, experiential satisfaction, and revisit intentions, as suggested by several researchers (China Highlights, 2015;Peng, Jiang, Liu, Huang, Zhang, & Wang, 2001). To ensure confidentiality, the names of study participants will not be required and the surveyors will ensure that all survey respondents' responses would remain completely confidential and anonymous.…”

The Role of Mate Preference and Personality on Reproductive Performance in an <i>Ex-Situ</i> Conservation Breeding Program for the Giant Panda (<i>Ailuropoda melanoleuca</i>)

“…Infant panda cubs are born with their eyes closed and are entirely reliant on their mothers for care. Cubs will nurse anywhere from 6 to 12 times per day in their first two weeks of life (Peng et al 2001). The mother will not leave the cub for at least 15 days because it is critically important for her to regulate the cub's temperature, feeding, and defecation (Peng et al 2001;Swaisgood et al 2003b).…”

“…Cubs will nurse anywhere from 6 to 12 times per day in their first two weeks of life (Peng et al 2001). The mother will not leave the cub for at least 15 days because it is critically important for her to regulate the cub's temperature, feeding, and defecation (Peng et al 2001;Swaisgood et al 2003b). The cub is weaned and separated from its mother at 18-24 months of age in the wild (Swaisgood et al 2003b), however, in captivity it is typical to separate the mother and baby at 6 months in order to breed females yearly.…”