Proper feeding and nutrition are vital for maintaining the health of giant pandas (GPs), yet the impact of dietary changes and gut microbiota on their nutrient utilization remains unclear. To address these uncertainties, we investigated nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, as well as gut microbiota composition across different age groups of giant pandas: sub-adults (SGPs), adults (AGPs), and geriatrics (GGPs). Our findings revealed notable shifts in dietary patterns from SGPs to GGPs. As they aged, significantly more bamboo shoots and less bamboo were consumed. Consequently, GGPs showed significantly reduced crude fiber (CF) intake and digestibility, while crude protein (CP) did not alter significantly. In addition, 16S rRNA microbial sequencing results showed that unidentified_Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus were the dominant genera among all age groups. The relative abundance of the genus Enterococcus in GGPs was significantly higher than that in SGPs and AGPs (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated the importance of bamboo shoots as a major source of protein in GGPs’ diet, which can effectively compensate for the certain nutritional loss caused by the reduction in bamboo intake. Age-related changes in bacterial abundance have an effect on specific nutrient apparent digestibility in the gut of GPs. The data presented in this study serve as a useful reference for nutritional management in different ages of GPs under healthy conditions.

A female giant panda presented with a large, hard mass on the right cheek, which was investigated at the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda with computed tomography (CT) scans and biopsy of the oral mass, as well as venous blood sampling. Hematological tests revealed elevated levels of the tumor marker CA724, along with infectious disease, anemia, hepatic damage, and renal failure. Imaging studies identified a soft tissue mass in the right cheek area. Macroscopic pathological changes, histopathological features, and immunohistochemical analysis were consistent with a low-grade malignant fibrosarcoma within the oral cavity, indicating malignant potential. This case represents the first report of an oral tumor in a giant panda, providing valuable data for future clinical diagnoses of neoplasms in this species.

In recent years, several giant pandas have suffered from testicular tumor, which has seriously affected giant panda health. However, the pathogenesis of testicular tumor in giant panda is still unclear. Studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of cancers. However, the effect of miRNAs on giant panda testicular tumor has been little studied. Therefore, this study explored the pathogenesis of giant panda testicular tumor through miRNA and mRNA sequencing, and screened out diagnostic markers of testicular tumor. Combined with phenotypic symptoms and pathological section results, three giant pandas were diagnosed with testicular tumor and divided into tumor group, and three other giant pandas were divided into normal group. A total of 29 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened by blood miRNA-seq, and 3149 target gene candidates were predicted. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the target genes were mainly involved in intermembrane lipid transfer and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling. However, only 5 DEmiRNAs were screened by miRNA-seq of blood-derived exosomes and 364 target genes were predicted, which were mainly involved in antigen processing and presentation. In addition, 216 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by RNA-seq, and functional enrichment analysis showed that tumor-specific DEGs significantly enriched to protein phosphorylation. Spearman correlation analysis of miRNA-mRNA showed that the expressions of miR-331-3p and PKIG were significantly positively correlated (spearman = 0.943, p < 0.01), while the expressions of miR-331-3p and ENSAMEG00000013628 were significantly negatively correlated (spearman= -0.829, p < 0.05). RT-PCR showed that the expression of miR-331-3p was significantly decreased in giant panda with tumor (p < 0.01). blood miRNAs and exosomal miRNAs exhibit distinct regulatory patterns concerning giant panda testicular tumor, potentially reflecting divergent biological processes in the disease’s etiology. Meanwhile, miR-331-3p could be used as a potential diagnostic marker for giant panda testicular tumor. Our findings are conducive to the rapid clinical diagnosis of testicular tumor in giant pandas, and are also expected to provide scientific reference for further research on the pathogenesis of testicular tumor.

The conservation of endangered species increasingly relies on captive breeding programs, yet fundamental differences between captive and wild environments create complex challenges for successful species management and reintroduction. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on the multidimensional differences between wild and captive animals across physiological, genetic, microbial, and ecological domains. We examine how captive conditions alter metabolic regulation, immune function, and reproductive physiology, often resulting in more stable but potentially less adaptive phenotypes. Genetic analyses reveal that while some captive populations maintain diversity comparable to wild counterparts through careful management, many suffer from founder effects, genetic drift, and reduced functional gene diversity. Microbiome studies demonstrate systematic shifts in gut microbial communities, with captive animals typically showing altered diversity patterns and functional capabilities that may compromise their ability to process natural diets and resist pathogens upon release. Ecological adaptations manifest through morphological plasticity, cognitive changes, and behavioral modifications that reflect responses to simplified captive environments. These findings have profound implications for conservation strategies, highlighting the need for integrative approaches that combine rigorous genetic management, environmental enrichment, and species-specific reintroduction protocols. We conclude that successful conservation requires understanding these multidimensional differences to develop more effective captive breeding programs and optimize reintroduction success rates, ultimately advancing long-term species conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

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.

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), as an endemic and endangered species in China, has attracted much attention regarding its health issues. In recent years, certain diseases that affect giant pandas have gradually become important factors impacting their survival and breeding, including tumor diseases. Research on testicular cancer in giant pandas, in particular, has attracted the attention of scientific researchers because it poses a threat to individual reproductive function and population reproduction. This review systematically reviews the research progress of testicular cancer in giant pandas in recent years. Firstly, starting from case reports, the current research status of clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and molecular mechanisms of testicular cancer in giant pandas was analyzed. Secondly, the commonly used treatment methods at present were discussed, including surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, etc., and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in practical applications were summarized. Furthermore, this article also conducts an in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis of testicular cancer in giant pandas, involving possible triggers such as genetic factors, environmental factors, and endocrine disorders. Based on the existing research results, this paper proposes a few future research directions, which will provide important support for the health management and population protection of giant pandas. Overall, although certain progress has been made in the research of testicular cancer in giant pandas, it still needs to be further deepened in order to provide a more powerful scientific basis for the healthcare and breeding of the endangered giant panda species.