SERUM TRACE NUTRIENT VALUES IN FOUR CAPTIVE GIANT PANDAS (AILUROPODA MELANOLEUCA)

Trace nutrients have been shown to play important health roles in both domestic and wild animals, but there has been little investigation into their values and effects in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The goal of this study was to obtain serum vitamin and mineral values in a group of healthy, captive giant pandas (n = 4). Twenty-seven samples were obtained from the group from 2008 to 2012. Serum analytes measured included retinol, α-tocopherol, hydroxyvitamin D, cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). The diet was evaluated for protein, fat, fiber, Ca, P, magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Mo. Comparison with other giant panda nutrient values were made. Further research with increased sample sizes and different populations are warranted.