Growth and development of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) cubs at Beijing Zoo

We studied the postnatal body weight gain and development of 11 male and ni ne female giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca cubs born at Beijing Zoo from 1985 to 1998. Growth rates of the cubs appeared to be sexually dimorphic fr om the fourth month after birth; the male grew slightly faster than the fem ale cubs. Growth rates between artificially fed and naturally fed cubs were significantly different from the fourth month after birth. The growth rate of the artificially fed cubs was slightly higher than that of the cubs fed by their mothers, indicating that the substitute milk satisfied the nutrie nt needs of the cubs. The body length of the cubs increased rapidly after b irth; 8-month-old cubs were three times longer than newborn cubs. Chest cir cumferences of 8-month-old cubs also increased to twice that of newborn cub s. Tail length relative to body length was reduced from 14.9% at birth to a bout 8.6% in 8-month-old cubs. Cubs started to grow teeth when they were 3 months old. By the age of 1 year, the cubs had fully grown deciduous teeth. The teeth formula of one 1-year-old cub was 2.1.3.0/2.1.3.0 = 24. We recor ded the changes in fur colour, development of the sense organs and limbs of the giant panda cubs. Finally, we compared the body weight and life-histor y parameters of giant pandas with those of bears and raccoons and discussed the management regime for the care of captive-born giant panda cubs.