圈养大熊猫粘液排泄现象的观察

大熊猫(Ailuropodamelanoleuca)是中国特有的珍稀动物,它们以高纤维含量的竹子为主食,但却具有与食肉动物相似的消化系统结构,为适应高纤维的食物,它们又形成了与食竹相适应的消化生理特点。其整个消化道内膜上粘液腺丰富,在野外,这些粘液腺的分泌物包裹于大熊猫所摄食的竹茎、

Preliminary observations on mucous excretion in the giant panda

462 episodes of mucous excretion and associated behavioral changes were documented for 25 giant pandas that were at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The purpose of this preliminary study was to lay the foundation for understanding the phenomenon of mucous production,and to investigate measures which may be related the frequency of mucous excretion. Indicators included the period of abdominal discomfort associated with mucous excretion (mean = 2.5±2.3 h);the interval from first refusal to consume bamboo and concentrated feed until mucous excretion episode (mean = 1.8±2.2 h);the interval from first refusal until return of appetite (mean = 1.9±2.3 h);the interval from mucous excretion until intake of concentrated feed and bamboo (means = 29.8±94.7 min and 33.8±105.8 min,respectively); the interval between mucous excretion episodes (mean= 18.9±24.0 days);mucous characteristics and weight of mucous averaged 1.7±0.7 and 77.8±47.7 g,respectively.Results indicated that the phenomenon of mucus excretion in the giant panda causes significant disruption to daily activity patterns. Animals that excreted mucous more frequently (15 days or less,between bouts)showed significantly more lethargy (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05),abdominal discomfort (P < 0.05),length of time of refusal to eat bamboo (P <0.055),and higher mucous weight,than animals that excreted mucous less frequently. Higher frequency of mucous excretion was directly associated with inhibited growth,reproduction and health status in the giant pandas studied.