This study investigated a case of abnormal estrus in a captive adult female giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) (X#, 130 kg) in 2024 to explore the possible relationship between overweight or obesity and estrus behavior in female giant pandas. Behavioral observations and urinary estrogen conjugate/creatinine (EC/CR) measurements revealed a significantly attenuated hormonal profile (peak EC/CR: 34.1 ng/mg vs. normal range 80–150 ng/mg) alongside muted receptivity (e.g., absent tail-lifting). Comparative analysis with historical cases of abnormal estrus (panda 2#: obesity-linked low EC/CR; panda 1#: normal EC/CR with behavioral anomalies) implicated obesity as a driver of reproductive impairment. And several actionable interventions were proposed: bamboo-based dietary reform, structured exercise protocols, and gut microbiota monitoring. This case underscores obesity as a modifiable risk factor in captive panda reproduction, urging integration of metabolic health into breeding management.

This study analyzes 324 captive giant panda breeding events (1998–2023) to unravel maternal and gestational drivers of cub survival and health—the largest dataset of its kind to date. Key variables included gestational duration, maternal age, interbirth interval, number of cubs per breeding event, cub birth weight, and neonatal mortality. Maternal age (5–7 years, ≥20 years) and interbirth intervals ≤1 year were linked to increased neonatal mortality, whereas intermediate gestational durations (110–127 days) and longer interbirth intervals (≥4 years) correlated with higher cub survival ratios. Although no direct relationship was found between gestational duration and birth weight, singleton cubs exhibited significantly higher weights than twins. By quantifying these relationships, we propose actionable strategies to enhance reproductive efficiency in managed populations, such as adjusting breeding schedules and maternal health monitoring.