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Pregnancy detection and fetal monitoring via ultrasound in a giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca )
Author(s) -
SutherlandSmith Meg,
Morris Patrick J.,
Silverman Sam
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.20022
Subject(s) - ailuropoda melanoleuca , biology , mating , pregnancy , ultrasound , seasonal breeder , zoology , anatomy , genetics , radiology , medicine
Abstract Transabdominal ultrasound was used to monitor the reproductive tract of a female giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) for three consecutive breeding seasons starting in 2001. Parturition did not occur in 2001 or 2002. In 2003, uterine enlargement was noted 109 days after natural mating occurred. A twin pregnancy was detected via transabdominal ultrasound 134 days following natural mating. Four subsequent ultrasound examinations, performed at 137, 138, 140, and 142 days postmating, documented fetal development. The female gave birth to one infant 150 days postmating. Zoo Biol 23:449–461, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.