Understanding the reproductive biology of giant pandas: predictive biomarkers for reproductive success

Giant pandas are a global symbol for conservation, with recent efforts resulting in the species’ down-grading from endangered to vulnerable. Despite this, there are still many unknowns regarding their reproductive physiology. Giant pandas are monoestrus with a variably timed Spring estrus. Following, there is a variable-length embryonic diapause and a short period of true gestation. Giant pandas undergo pseudopregnancy, and currently there is no giant panda pregnancy test. The aim of this thesis is to non-invasively assess the reproductive profiles of a European-based cohort of giant pandas to determine if potential new reproductive biomarkers can be identified. Metabolism and reproduction are linked, with female giant pandas showing altered metabolism at key reproductive periods. Metabolism also influences urinary biomarker correction, and urinary specific gravity (USpG) has been identified as a recommended alternative correction method which is lesser effected by metabolism than creatinine. Estrus monitoring was able to be advanced with the inclusion of measuring urinary androgens. These provided both an in-advance and up-close biomarker for ovulation. Protein biomarkers across the luteal phase provided mixed results for use in pregnancy diagnosis, however some potential candidates for future consideration in both diapause and gestation were identified. A preliminary investigation of aquaphotomics identified potential of this method for involvement in identifying successful conception and pregnancy diagnosis. Steroid hormones successfully distinguished pregnancy from pseudopregnancy, with both estrogens and glucocorticoids increasing across the late luteal phase only in pregnancy. These profiles were corroborated with androgen profiles and fecal output profiles to provide a set of pregnancy biomarkers in giant pandas. Knowledge of female giant panda reproduction has been expanded. These results have additional use in the real-time monitoring of captive giant panda reproduction worldwide, providing caretakers with increased warning of key periods and potential early pregnancy diagnosis.

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Edinburgh

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Wilson, Kirsten

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Duncan, Colin
• Wauters, Jella
• Andrew, Ruth

• giant panda
• reproduction
• pregnancy
• wildlife endocrinology
• wildlife reproduction

Language dc:language.iso

en

Identifier URI

http://dx.doi.org/10.7488/era/4745

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:era.ed.ac.uk:1842/42023