Feed fatty acids and their utilization in the Giant Panda (Ailurupoda melanoleuca)

The Giant Panda derived most of its nutritional needs from plant materials. Dietary utilization of these plant materials is complicated by the comparatively lower plant fatty acid contents, and fact that the digestive system of the Giant Panda has characteristics that are consistent with carnivores. In the absence of other body fluids and tissues, faecal fatty acid profiles of the Giant Panda provide an important hint to explain the functions of its digestive system. These are crucial to understand how Giant Panda’s acquire energy and other nutritional needs from its herbivorous diet. The aims of this research were to study the fatty acid profiles of bamboo plants in the Giant Panda’s diet, and to determine the faecal fatty acid profiles of Giant Pandas. This information would provide insights into how Giant Pandas are able to fulfil their fatty acid requirements, especially the long chained fatty acids that are crucial for the various physiological functions of the body. Four local species of bamboo plants, and faecal samples of two adult Giant Pandas (A.melanoleuca) and their cub were obtained for analysis. The study was conducted from 9th January until 20th of February 2017 at Zoo Negara Malaysia. Identification and quantification of fatty acid content was done by using gas liquid chromatography (GLC) following the procedure of total lipid extraction and fatty acids methyl esters (FAME). Results showed that palmitic acid (16:0) was the dominant fatty acids in the shoots of bamboo plants, while α-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3) is the major fatty acid found in leaves. Total saturated fatty acids (TSFA) were consistently high followed by the unsaturated fatty acids comprising of the PUFA n-3, n-6 and MUFA. Faecal fatty acid profiles showed the presence of very long chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids which are important for cellular functions. In conclusion, the current study showed that while bamboo lacked the longer chain essential fatty acids, the Giant Pandas were able to satisfy their physiological requirements through de novo synthesis. This indicates that the Giant Panda do have the ability, as well as the specific enzymes for the elongation and desaturation of fatty acids, a feature found in most herbivorous and omnivorous animals.

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