Abstract: 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.

Key words: Abdominal discomfort, Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), Inappetance, Mucous

关键词: 大熊猫, 排粘液现象, 腹痛, 食欲差