| Abstract: | Eleven milk samples were collected from three female giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) during 23 days after delivery. Concentrations of crude protein (CP), lactose (Lac), and three vitamins (VA, VD, VE) in these samples were tested. Concentration of CP, Lac, VA, VD, and VE of these samples in wet basis averaged 6.77±0.78%, 3.23±0.54%, 0.073±0.043 mg/L, 0.24±0.08 mg/L, and 6.76±1.01 mg/L, respectively. Results demonstrated that nutrients concentrations of milk samples had no significant difference among different pandas (P>0.05). The average content of milk protein between 3–6 days and 7–23 days had significant difference (P<0.01). Results indicate that panda milk is similar to that of other carnivores. It has higher protein but lower lactose than milk in domestic ungulates and humans. Zoo Biol 0:1–6, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. |
