Nutrient and mineral composition during shoot growth in seven species ofPhyllostachysandPseudosasabamboo consumed by giant panda

Abstract

During the annual period of bamboo shoot growth in spring, free-ranging giant pandas feed almost exclusively on the shoots while ignoring the leaves and full- height culm. Little is known about the nutritional changes that occur during bamboo shoot growth, if nutritional changes differ among species, or how these changes might influence forage selection. Our objective was to examine the nutrient and mineral composition during three phases of shoot growth (<60, 90-150 and >180 cm) for seven species of bamboo (Phyllostachys (P.) aurea, P. aureosulcata, P. bissetii, P. glauca, P. nuda, P. rubromarginata, Pseudosasa japonica) fed to captive giant pandas at the Memphis Zoo. Total dietary fiber content of bamboo shoots increased (p < 0.0001) from an overall species average of 61% dry matter (DM) at < 60 cm to 75% DM at shoot heights > 180 cm, while crude protein, fat and ash exhibited significant declines (p < 0.05). Phyllostachys nuda had the overall greatest (p = 0.007) crude protein (21% DM) and fat (4% DM) content, and lowest overall total fibre (61% DM) content compared to the other species examined. In contrast, Pseudosasa japonica had the overall lowest crude protein and fat, and relatively higher fibre content (9%, 3% and 74% respectively). Concentrations of Zn and Fe were highest in shoots <60 cm (10-50 μg/g DM) and decreased (p < 0.05) during growth in all species examined. Concentrations of Ca, Cu, Mn, Na and K varied among species and were largely unaffected by growth stage. Due to their higher concentrations of nutrients and lower fibre content in comparison to culm and leaf, bamboo shoots should be a major component of captive giant panda diets when available.

Assessing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Sicily Island atmosphere, Mediterranean, using PUF disk passive air samplers

“…The growth of bamboo shoots is crucial for giant pandas during the shooting season in spring, when shoots make up almost all of their diet (Dierenfeld 1997;Christian et al 2015;Liu 2015). Lower fiber content and higher concentrations of proteins, fats, minerals, and sugars of bamboo shoots are beneficial to bamboo-specialized consumers (Christian et al 2015;Liu 2015).…”

“…Lower fiber content and higher concentrations of proteins, fats, minerals, and sugars of bamboo shoots are beneficial to bamboo-specialized consumers (Christian et al 2015;Liu 2015). The shoots are more easily digested, and nutrients may be more bioavailable for giant pandas (Wei et al 2000;Halvorson et al 2010).…”

“…Although they feed on bamboo culms and leaves year-round, their diet is comprised almost completely of bamboo shoots (first-year bamboo) during shooting season in spring (Schaller et al 1985;Dierenfeld 1997;Wei et al 2000). Compared to culms and leaves, bamboo shoots have higher concentrations of nutrients and lower fiber content (Christian et al 2015), with higher bioavailability of proteins, fats, minerals, and sugars for bamboo-specialized consumers (Schaller et al 1985). The plant cell walls have not yet fully developed; therefore, shoots are more easily digested, and nutrients may be more bioavailable for giant pandas after foraging (Wei et al 2000;Halvorson et al 2010).…”

Development of microsatellite markers for Fargesia denudata (Poaceae), the staple‐food bamboo of the giant panda

“…The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a flagship species in nature conservation (Swaisgood et al, 2010). One of its biological and behavioral characteristics is a highly restricted diet, consisting mainly of bamboo (Christian et al, 2015). The most important bamboo species for the giant panda's diet is Fargesia denudata T. P. Yi (Poaceae), which is endemic to China (Zeng et al, 2002).…”

A Diet Diverse in Bamboo Parts is Important for Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Metabolism and Health

“…Such single-plant part provisioning may continue for several months. Previous studies show that the nutritional value varies greatly in different parts of the bamboo body 10–13 . Moreover, the bioavailability of different plant parts varies significantly 14, 15 .…”