| The Sub-adult stage(1.5 to 4.5 years old) is an important period for growth of giant panda, which is directly related to the health and reproductive capacity of adult stage. However, there is a lack of an advanced monitoring index system for the physical condition and the nutritional requirements standard for the captive sub-adult giant panda.So there is no scentific guide for feeding of sub-adult giant panda in the managment of the health monitoring, choosing the staple bamboo, the amount of bamboo be fed and the ratio of roughage and beneficiated burden material. For these reasons, some common diseases did not get monitoring and effective prevention in time. Especially,the malnutrition syndrome is still the biggest threat for sub-adult captive giant panda.Considering these, eight Sub-adult Giant Pandas from Chengdu Research Base of Giant panda Breeding were treated as research object. A standard body condition score for Sub-adult Giant panda was established by one year comparing monitoring,combining with 7 years feeding management record, body examination data and biophysical medicine data. In addition, we measured the feed consumption and digestibility by using the chemical analysis and total feces collection method.Meanwhile, combining with the feeding behavior data by observation and the feeding records of Sub-adult Giant panda, we build a reference range of nutritional needs for captive Sub-adult giant pandas. Four results of our study were summarized as followed.1. The establishment of the monitoring body condition system and body condition scoring criteria for Sub-adult Giant pandaIn the present study, the appearance, weight, stool and blood biochemical parameters were selected as body condition scoring criteria for Sub-adult Giant panda based on the body condition data and physiological medicine data during the past 7years. The method is uncomplicated and easy for operating, we can monitor the body condition of Giant panda just follow the steps of “day-month-quarter”. The body condition of Giant panda was at its best when the score range from 140 to 150 points;130-140 points means that the Giant panda has a nomal body condition; 120-130 points means the Giant panda was in a state of sub-health and the prevention comes first for the Giant panda, the feeding and management conditions should be optimized to improve their body condition; when the score were lower than 120, the Giant panda were in sick, medical examination was important and a consultation should be organized by experts to make sure that the disease was in control timely.2. Foraging behavior of Sub-adult Giant panda in captivityThrough Using scan sampling method and Objective sampling method to study the foraging behavior of Sub-adult Giant panda in captivity. We found that, feeding behavior and rest behavior stand more than 80% of the total time, feeding behavior of spring is the highest proportion, and significantly higher than summer and autumn(P<0.05); rest behavior of autumn is the highest proportion, and significantly higher than spring and winter(P <0.05). Feeding behavior and rest behavior are very significant negative correlation(r =-0.658, P < 0.01).3. The seasonal recipes consisting, environment temperature and humidity of Sub-adult giant pandas in captivityThe recipes is stable in the four seasons of Sub-adult giant pandas in captivity.Mainly feed on Pleidolastus amarus shoot, Qiongzhuea opienensis shoot, Phyllostachys heterocycla shoot and some stem of Phyllostachys nidularia in spring; mainly feed on Pleidolastus amarus shoot, Bshania faberi shoot, Bambusa fargessi leaf and some stem of Pleidolastus amarus in summer; mainly feed on Fargesia jiulongensis shoot,Bambusa fargessi leaf and some stem of Pleidolastus amarus in autumn; mainly feed on Bambusa fargessi leaf, Pleidolastus amarus stem and some stem of Phyllostachys nidularia, Chimonobambusa pachystachys stem and leaf in winter. At the same time,base in spring, summer, autumn and winter average temperature and humidity are18.9℃, 73.0%; 23.5℃, 85.3%; 17.2℃, 84.4%; 7.9℃, 75.7%.4. The nutritional needs reference range of Sub-adult giant pandas in captivityUsing total feces collection method in animal digestion experiments. Detection the eight conventional nutrients in food and feces samples from Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University.Through animal digestion experiments and Nutritional analysis experiment to establish Sub-adult giant pandas nutritional needs reference range. The total nutrient intake: dry matter 2891.11-3331.85g/d, crude ash 219.12-277.73g/d, fat 91.75-108.27g/d, crude fiber 715.38-993.64g/d, crude protein 437.18-603.58g/d, total 58.94-67.44MJ/d,calcium 6.20-10.22g/d, and phosphorus 6.45-10.56g/d. The digestible nutrients intake:dry matter 1061.90-1255.45g/d, crude ash 66.54-94.59g/d, fat 44.48-58.92g/d, crude fiber 94.09-176.27g/d, crude protein 297.19-449.19g/d, total 22.52-26.13MJ/d, calcium2.34-4.23g/d, and phosphorus 3.98-6.42g/d.In general, we established the captive sub-adult giant pandas’ body condition evaluation system and nutrition need reference range. The former result provides a feasible method for management of giant pandas’ health, while the latter one provides a scientific reference for nutrition need. They need each other to contribute to sub-adultgiant pandas’ nutrition and health. |
PDF Full Text Request