Effects of Age and Season on Blood Parameters of Captive Giant Pandas: A Pilot Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a flagship species for biodiversity conservation. Due to population size and sample collection limitations, very limited information is available on the routine blood and blood biochemistry of giant pandas. Rarely is the influence of seasons on the physiology and health of giant pandas studied. Understanding the impact of meteorological factors on giant pandas is necessary for the future. In this study, we obtained data on the changes in hematological parameters of giant pandas in different seasons and ages. We found differences in overall metabolic processes among giant pandas of different age groups. At the same time, seasonal changes have a regulating effect on hemorheological parameters and may have a negative impact on blood viscosity. Whether seasonal and climatic factors cause environmental stress in captive giant pandas remains to be further studied. The results of this study may help to protect the stability of the giant panda population better and provide a reference for the appropriate feeding and medical care of captive giant pandas. ABSTRACT: The giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, serves as a flagship species for biodiversity conservation, embodying the intersection of ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic forces shaping the natural world. Hematological parameters serve as crucial indicators for assessing the physiological status of animals. However, our understanding of blood parameters and hemorheology in captive giant pandas under non-anesthetic conditions is limited. In this study, from September 2018 to August 2020, we collected blood samples from captive giant pandas under non-anesthetic conditions. Twelve captive giant pandas, ranging in age from 2 to 28 years, were divided into three groups based on their age, and the variations in basic blood parameters and hemorheological parameters across four seasons were analyzed. This provided baseline data for future blood sample comparisons in non-anesthetized captive giant pandas. Additionally, we observed seasonal changes in hematological morphology, hemorheology, and serum enzymes. Moreover, seasonality had a regulatory effect on hemorheological parameters and negatively impacted blood viscosity. Age influenced changes in serum enzymes, serum protein content, and serum metabolites, indicating differences in overall metabolic processes among giant pandas of different age groups. Whether factors such as season and climate contribute to environmental stress in captive giant pandas requires further investigation. The findings of this study may help to protect the stability of the giant panda population better and provide a reference for the medical care of captive giant pandas.