SEMEN EVALUATION OF GIANT PANDAS (AILUROPODA-MELANOLEUCA) AT THE WOLONG RESERVE

Semen from 4 wild-caught giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) held at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda was collected (22 samples during 1991-1993) by electroejaculation, and evaluated for use in artificial insemination. Semen characteristics (mean +/- SD) recorded were as follows: semen volume -1.5 +/- .9 ml (range-0.3-3.5); sperm density 1.5 +/- 0.1 x 10(9)/ml (range-0.24-4.2); motility 79 +/- 10% (range-60-95); abnormal sperm 14 +/- 5% (range-10-27); and pH 7.1 +/- 0.2 (range-6.7-7.5). There were significant differences from year to year (P < 0.05) in semen volume collected and in the percentage abnormal sperm in 1993 compared to other years. There were no significant differences among semen produced from the four different pandas. Data collected were similar to reports for other giant pandas, and semen from all 4 giant pandas was considered suitable for use in artificial insemination. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.