Method for feeding giant panda super-light birth weight cubs
By artificially keeping the cubs warm and supplementing them with colostrum, the panda cubs' body temperature and maternal milk intake were maintained, which solved the problems of low birth weight and weak mobility, and improved their survival rate and healthy development.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHENGDU RES BASE OF GIANT PANDA BREEDING
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Giant panda cubs are born with low weight and are weak, resulting in a low survival rate. Existing technologies are insufficient to effectively improve their survival rate.
Artificial warming and artificial supplementation with colostrum were used to maintain the pups' body temperature at 36.5℃-37℃. The amount of breast milk intake was adjusted according to their weight and appetite to ensure sufficient breast milk intake, combined with environmental and personnel disinfection measures.
It significantly improved the survival rate of super light newborn giant panda cubs, ensured weight gain and healthy development, and reduced the risk of infection.
Smart Images
Figure CN118340127B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Methods for raising giant panda cubs with extremely low birth weight Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of artificial assisted feeding technology for giant panda cubs and the field of nursing care for mother animals, and more specifically to the field of artificial feeding technology for giant panda cubs. Background Technology
[0002] The giant panda is undoubtedly China's national treasure, an ancient animal. It is mainly distributed in northern Sichuan, Shaanxi, and southern Gansu. Giant pandas are plump, bear-like in shape but slightly smaller, with a short tail. Their eyes, ears, fore and hind limbs, and shoulders are black, while the rest of their bodies are white. Bamboo is their favorite food. Giant pandas are beloved and adored by people all over the world.
[0003] Giant pandas are among the animals with the lowest survival rates, which may be related to the relatively low birth weight of their cubs. In particular, compared with most mammals, the birth weight of their cubs differs greatly from that of their mothers, being about one-thousandth of the mother's weight. In addition, the highly specialized parenting behavior of giant pandas makes it even more difficult for their cubs to survive.
[0004] The average weight of a newborn giant panda cub is 144.9 ± 40.59 g. Cubs weighing less than 60 g at birth are often referred to as extremely light-weight cubs. Their main characteristics are extremely low birth weight, thin body, weak movement, and no or very soft cries after birth. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problem of low survival rate of giant pandas with a birth weight of less than 60g. This invention provides a method for raising giant panda cubs with extremely low birth weight.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution: a method for raising extremely light newborn giant panda cubs, comprising: Step 1, artificially keeping the newborn extremely light newborn giant panda cubs warm, maintaining their body temperature at 36.5℃-37℃; Step 2, artificially supplementing the cubs with colostrum within the first week of life, and feeding them their mother's milk from day 8 onwards, wherein the weight of the extremely light newborn giant panda cubs is ≤60g, specifically, the weight of the extremely light newborn giant panda cubs is 42.80g and / or 51g.
[0007] In this application's technical solution, the weight of the extremely light newborn giant panda cub is 42.80g and / or 51g, indicating an extremely small body and extremely low birth weight; weak mobility; and weak vocalizations and poor apparent development after birth. Due to their weakness, artificial warming and supplemental feeding with colostrum are used within the first week after birth. After one week, the cub is returned to its mother. The actual daily colostrum intake fully considers the cub's daily set total milk intake and its daily feeding desire. Key measures for the rearing of extremely light newborn giant panda cubs include timely removal of artificial warming to maintain normal body temperature, supplemental feeding with sufficient giant panda colostrum, proper environmental hygiene and disinfection, and timely return to the mother for nursing. In this application, the two important conditions for the survival of extremely light newborn giant panda cubs are maintaining normal body temperature and sufficient maternal milk intake, namely, timely removal for warming and maintenance, and timely supplemental feeding with sufficient colostrum. At a room temperature of around 23°C, the extremely light cubs exhibit poor apparent development.
[0008] In the technical solution of this application, the cubs are allowed to breastfeed as much as possible after 8 days, depending on their condition. The weight of the super light newborn giant panda cubs is 42.80g and / or 51g.
[0009] In the nursing method of this application, step 1, artificial warming, specifically involves removing the newborn giant panda cub from its mother and placing it in a nursery box. The initial temperature of the nursery box is 36.6℃. If the cub's body temperature is very low, the temperature is appropriately increased, gradually raising the cub's body temperature to 36.6-37℃. Specifically, the temperature is 37℃ from the beginning to 20 minutes, 36.9℃ from 20 minutes to 7 hours and 30 minutes, 36.8℃ from 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours and 40 minutes, and 36.6℃ from 9 hours and 40 minutes to 17 hours and 30 minutes. (When placing a newly born giant panda cub in the nursery box, the temperature setting should not be too high to avoid discomfort caused by extreme cold or heat. The nursery box temperature is adjusted in a timely manner according to the newborn giant panda cub's body temperature, with each adjustment increasing or decreasing by 0.1℃-0.3℃).
[0010] Temperature monitoring is crucial. For pups under 25 days old, abdominal temperature is monitored; after 25 days, axillary temperature is monitored. Specifically, temperature is measured every 5-10 minutes within the first 6 hours after birth, approximately every 30 minutes within the first 6-12 hours, every hour within the first 4 days, and every 2 hours thereafter, gradually increasing the interval between temperature measurements. Regardless of whether the mother abandons or embraces the pups after birth, all ultralight newborns should be promptly placed in an incubator for artificial warming. For the first week after birth, ultralight newborns should be kept warm artificially and supplemented with colostrum.
[0011] The basic principle of artificial warming is to maintain the infant's body temperature between 36.5-37℃. The initial temperature setting for the ultralight newborn incubator is 36.6℃, and the infant's temperature is monitored with a thermometer. The incubator temperature is gradually increased by 0.1-0.3℃ each time, and the infant is covered with a towel or held in hand to ensure the temperature is maintained between 36.5-37℃. When transferring the infant, it is wrapped in a towel and moved quickly. As the infant grows older, the incubator temperature is gradually decreased by 0.1-0.3℃ each time, and the towel covering is reduced until it reaches room temperature. The infant is then gradually weaned off the incubator. Specifically, at 36 days, one side vent of the incubator (at a temperature of 25℃) is opened; at 37 days, the side door of the incubator is opened; and after 38 days, the infant is placed in a crib.
[0012] In the feeding method of this application, if the cub's body temperature is low, the cub is covered with a felt or by the palm of a hand in the nursery box to raise its body temperature to 35°C-37°C. When transferring the cub, it is wrapped in a towel and transferred quickly to avoid the body temperature dropping too quickly.
[0013] In the feeding method of this application, the morphological changes of the super light newborn giant panda cubs include: at 6 days of birth, the top of the head is swollen and the changes are not obvious; at 7 days of birth, the ear tips, eye rings, and shoulder girdle show faint gray-black; at 17 days of birth, the ear tips and eye rings are black; the forelimb shoulder girdle is obviously gray-black, and the hind limbs are gray; at 25 days of birth, the shoulder girdle is clearly black and white, the limbs are gray-black, and the two hind limbs have white fur; at 32 days of birth, there is a small amount of discharge from the corners of the eyes; at 39 days of birth, the left and right eyes are half-open; at 42 days of birth, both eyes are fully open, and there is a lot of discharge from the corners of the eyes; at 50 days of birth, the black shoulder girdle and the black fur on the limbs gradually turn white; at 148 days of birth, they can run.
[0014] In the feeding method of this application, in step 2, it is important to ensure that the infants receive sufficient breast milk, especially in the first 3 days after birth, with the first 24 hours after birth being particularly important, and to ensure that the infants' weight is within the normal range.
[0015] In the feeding method of this application, in step 2, the cub is given 1-2 ml of colostrum from the mother immediately after birth and is ensured to receive sufficient colostrum within 7 days. The average daily total amount of colostrum for the cub (including colostrum from the first 7 days) is initially determined based on a fitted curve of daily milk intake per 100 grams of body weight. The calculation method is as follows: the average daily milk intake for days 1-3 is Y = G * (16.21 * X - 0.862) / 100; the average daily milk intake for days 4-37 is Y = G * (45.95 - 0.93 * X) / 100; and the average daily milk intake for days 38-62 is Y = G * (19.7 - 0.214 * X) / 100 (G: represents the cub's weight on that day, X: represents the age in days, and Y: represents the amount of milk).
[0016] In the feeding method of this application, in step 2, based on the characteristic that the lower the birth weight, the higher the daily breast milk intake per 100 grams of body weight, and the existing data on the total milk intake per 100 grams of body weight of extremely light individuals, as well as the infant's weight on the previous day, the total amount of breast milk for the second day is adjusted to determine the rated total milk intake for the second day.
[0017] In the feeding method of this application, in step 2, the actual amount of milk consumed by the ultralight infant each time is adjusted according to the infant's daily rated total milk intake, age, weight, weight loss, daily weight gain, appetite, feces, activity, vocalizations, and number of supplemental feedings.
[0018] In the feeding method of this application, the super-light newborn giant panda cub experiences weight loss for 2 days, with a maximum weight loss rate of 11.45%; the daily weight gain of the super-light newborn giant panda cub includes: -3.95g on day 1, 0.7g on day 2, 3.05g on day 3, 3.55g on day 4, 5.15g on day 5, 5.3g on day 6, 6.05g on day 7, 9.75g on day 8, 10.05g on day 9, 14.75g on day 10, and 16.85g on day 11. The average weight gain was 5.3g on day 12, 17.85g on day 13, 15.5g on day 14, and 37.7g on day 15. From day 16 to 20, the average weight gain was 23.25g; from day 21 to 25, it was 34.05g; from day 26 to 30, it was 43.3g; from day 31 to 70, the average weight gain was mainly between 50-60g; and from day 71 to 100, the average weight gain was mainly between 60-80g. After this, there was little difference compared to other giant panda cubs. In this application, in step 2, the number of supplemental feedings was set based on the average daily suckling frequency of the cub during the mother's nursing period, gradually decreasing from high to low with the cub's age and growth (stomach capacity), and also varying according to the amount of milk consumed each time. Specifically, the frequency is 4 times on day 0, 11.83 times on days 1-6, 7.33 times on days 7-12, and 4.86 times on days 13-33, with slight adjustments made based on the pup's appetite and stool condition on the day.
[0019] In this application, the weight of the giant panda superlight newborn cub is 42.80g and / or 51g.
[0020] In the feeding method of this application, step 2, specifically the artificial supplementation of colostrum to the infants within the first week of life, is as follows: Based on existing data on the total amount of breast milk intake per 100 grams of body weight for extremely light infants, the average colostrum intake is as follows: Day 0: 10.42g; Day 1: 15.9g; Days 2-4: 18.65g; Days 5-7: 25.83g; Days 8-9: 36.85g; Days 10-12: 44.18g; Days 13-17: 57.26g; Days 18-21: 72.54g; Days 22-30: 112.27g; Days 31-60: 170.25g.
[0021] In this application, the method also includes monitoring the condition of the cubs, specifically by observing the cubs' mental state through their sounds, activities, body temperature, and body color, stimulating the cubs' perianal-genital area to assist in defecation, and observing the color and shape of the cubs' feces.
[0022] In this application, the method also includes starting to try returning the cubs to their mothers to nurse after one week, following the principle of first allowing them to nurse on their own at the mother's place, and supplementing with breast milk or formula only when they cannot get enough (far below the standard total milk intake). The caretakers adjust the number of times the cubs return to their mothers, the number of times they are supplemented with breast milk, and the amount of breast milk each time, based on the cubs' weight gain, appetite, and standard total milk intake. During the period when the cubs return to their mothers, if the cubs cannot find or latch onto the nipple, the caretakers assist them in finding the nipple and nursing, so as to train the cubs' ability to feed on breast milk independently.
[0023] In the feeding method of this application, the incubator and the nursery where the incubator is located are disinfected (all items that come into contact with staff and cubs are disinfected).
[0024] In this application, the giant panda cub Cheng Lang (pedigree number 824), weighing 42.80g at birth, is the mother of Cheng Da; and Wu Yi (pedigree number 630), weighing 51g at birth, is the mother of Qi Zhen.
[0025] In this application, the method also includes disinfection. Disinfection includes personnel disinfection, environmental disinfection, and equipment disinfection. Personnel disinfection includes mandatory handwashing with disinfectant before entering the nursery, with the disinfectant solution changed every 4 hours; mandatory wearing of disposable surgical gowns, masks, caps, and shoe covers before entering the nursery, and hand disinfection with alcohol before contact with animals; sick personnel, especially those with infectious diseases such as colds or diarrhea, are prohibited from participating in nursery work. Environmental disinfection includes disinfecting the nursery floor and operating room once daily; intermittent disinfection of the nursery using air disinfection equipment, and the use of disinfectant tablets when necessary; and disinfection of the surrounding environment of the nursery. Disinfect daily; promptly deal with flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, etc., inside and outside the nursery; disinfect utensils, including boiling them for at least half an hour before each use; soak the cloths used to wipe the worktable, electronic scale, and baby incubator in disinfectant for 15 minutes and then wash them with clean water; cleaning tools such as brooms, dustpans, and mops are for nursery use only; change the baby care mats daily, soak the used mats in disinfectant for 15 minutes, wash and dry them; disinfect the baby care cotton pads every 3 days, soaking them in disinfectant for 15 minutes, then washing and drying them.
[0026] In this application, the method further includes maternal care (the purpose of maternal care is to ensure that the mother animal has a healthy body and abundant energy, so as to provide the necessary breast milk for supplemental feeding during the early stages of artificial insemination of the ultralight pups and to provide warmth and breast milk for the pups during the rearing period, reducing the chance of the pups being crushed to death), and the method of maternal care includes:
[0027] Clean and disinfect the animal enclosures, and ensure proper ventilation (clean and disinfect the animal enclosures environment, including the ground and observation passages, once a day, to ensure a clean and dry environment; minimize the entry of unrelated personnel, and when feeding and management personnel enter and exit the birthing and nursing enclosures, they should wear protective clothing and change into slippers. Staff who come into contact with giant pandas should not have respiratory diseases such as colds; keep the environment where the mother animal is born quiet and well-ventilated, avoid drafts or direct wind blowing on the mother animal, and keep the lighting dim).
[0028] Provide high-quality, palatable food (liquid food in the early stages of birth; easily digestible liquid food in the early postpartum period (e.g., within 15-20 days postpartum), such as a nutritionally balanced and partially digested nutrient solution (Nengquanli + amino acids = 1:1); try feeding palatable fresh bamboo leaves (bamboo shoots) as early as possible, which is beneficial for the mother to produce sufficient milk and recover her strength and intestinal function as soon as possible; gradually increase the amount of concentrated feed in the daily diet. Around 15 days postpartum or when the mother is eating bamboo, the amount of concentrated feed such as steamed buns can be increased appropriately. Gradually increase the amount of concentrated feed to the normal level according to the mother's stool condition, while gradually reducing liquid food until it is completely eliminated (generally, liquid food is completely eliminated around 30 days postpartum)).
[0029] In this application, both the amino acids and the amino acids are commercially available.
[0030] Administer health supplements (appropriate amounts of vitamins and calcium);
[0031] The mother animal should rest well (some mother animals are weak and tired after giving birth. The cubs can be taken out after nursing and placed in a nursery to keep them warm, allowing the mother animal to rest for a period of time. The cubs can be returned to the mother animal to nurse when they need to nurse or when the mother animal looks for her cubs. If the mother animal is observed to be tired during the nursing process, the cubs can also be temporarily taken out and placed in a nursery to keep them warm, allowing the mother animal to rest appropriately and have time to eat bamboo).
[0032] The temperature of the nursery environment should be controlled between 20℃ and 24℃, preferably 23℃, with a humidity of 60-70%. (In high-temperature areas and seasons, the ambient temperature should be controlled at 23℃ (based on the mother's stable breathing). As the cubs grow older and the ambient temperature decreases, the ambient temperature should no longer be controlled. In low-temperature areas and seasons, the indoor ambient temperature for panda birthing can be appropriately increased to 23℃, and then gradually lowered to the normal indoor ambient temperature after approximately 20-30 days. In relatively dry areas, the ambient humidity should be appropriately increased to 60-70%).
[0033] To facilitate the mother animal's defecation (when staff observe that the mother animal is defecting but is unable to do so due to having cubs, the cubs can be removed first to allow the mother animal to defecate, and then the cubs can be returned to the mother animal).
[0034] In this application, the names of the newborn giant panda cubs are Cheng Lang and Wu Yi.
[0035] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0036] 1. In 2006, the first super light giant panda cub with a birth weight of 51g was successfully bred. In 2019, a further breakthrough was achieved by bringing a giant panda cub with a birth weight of 42.80g.
[0037] 2. Two important conditions for the survival of super light newborn giant panda cubs are maintaining normal body temperature and ingesting sufficient colostrum. This means timely removal of the cubs to raise and keep them warm, timely supplementation with sufficient colostrum, and disinfection of the incubator, nursery, items that the cubs come into contact with, and staff.
[0038] 3. If the cubs are observed to be extremely small, they should be promptly removed from the incubator after birth, regardless of whether the mother abandons or embraces them, to maintain their body temperature at 36.5-37℃, while gradually lowering the ambient temperature.
[0039] 4. If the cub's body temperature is very low, the box temperature should be appropriately increased first, and the cub's body temperature should be gradually raised to a normal level and kept warm. Real-time monitoring of body temperature and reasonable heat preservation measures are the key to the successful raising of super light newborn giant panda cubs.
[0040] 5. Feeding principle: First, let the cubs nurse from the mother. If they do not nurse from the mother, then supplement with artificial milk or formula. Adjust the number of times the cubs return to the mother and the amount of formula or breast milk supplemented each day according to their weight gain and appetite. If the cubs cannot latch onto the nipple when they return to the mother, the caretakers will move the cubs to the mother's nipple. Attached Figure Description
[0041] Figure 1 shows the weight changes of the super light newborn giant panda cub of the present invention within 5 months after birth.
[0042] Figure 2 shows the weight changes of the super light newborn panda cub of the present invention within one week after birth.
[0043] Figure 3 is a body size diagram of the super light newborn giant panda cub of the present invention.
[0044] Figure 4 shows the milk intake of the giant panda super light newborn cub within 5 months after birth according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0046] Example 1
[0047] This embodiment provides a method for raising extremely light newborn giant panda cubs, including the following steps: Step 1: Artificially incubate the newborn extremely light giant panda cubs to maintain their body temperature at 36.5℃-37℃ (high ambient temperature leads to excessive and rapid dehydration; it causes the cub's body temperature to rise, thus affecting metabolism and causing heat stress; it also directly affects the development of the cub's fur; the cub is easily chilled: exposure from a high-temperature environment to the external environment (such as returning to the mother). Low ambient temperature makes the cub easily chilled, affecting the activity of enzymes in the body. As the cub grows and develops, its ability to insulate and regulate its body temperature gradually increases; if the original ambient temperature is maintained, the cub's body temperature will rise); Step 2: The cub's initial... Within the first week, colostrum was artificially supplemented. After 8 days, the cubs would feed on their mother's milk. (Giant panda cubs are weak, so artificial warming and colostrum supplementation are used within the first week after birth. After one week, the cubs are returned to their mothers. The actual amount of colostrum they consume each day is based on the cub's daily total milk intake and their daily appetite. Key measures for raising extremely light giant panda cubs include timely removal of artificial warming to maintain normal body temperature, sufficient colostrum supplementation, good environmental hygiene and disinfection, and timely return to the mother for nursing.) The weight of the extremely light giant panda cubs is 42.80g and / or 51g (extremely small body, extremely low birth weight; weak activity; soft cries after birth, poor apparent development).
[0048] Example 2
[0049] Based on Example 1, the artificial warming in step 1 specifically involves placing the newborn giant panda cubs (especially those with very light weight) in an incubator. The initial temperature of the incubator is 36.6°C; the temperature is 37°C from the beginning to 20 minutes; 36.9°C from 20 minutes to 7 hours and 30 minutes; 36.8°C from 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours and 40 minutes; and 36.6°C from 9 hours and 40 minutes to 17 hours and 30 minutes. (When placing newly born giant panda cubs in the incubator, the temperature setting should not be too high.) To avoid extreme cold or heat causing discomfort to the cubs, the temperature of the incubator should be adjusted according to the body temperature of the newborn panda cubs (increasing or decreasing by 0.1℃-0.3℃ each time). Body temperature monitoring should be conducted: abdominal temperature for the first 25 days, and axillary temperature after 25 days. Specifically, body temperature should be measured every 5-10 minutes within the first 6 hours after birth, approximately every 30 minutes within the first 6-12 hours, every hour within the first 4 days, and every 2 hours after 4 days, gradually increasing the interval between temperature measurements. Regardless of whether the mother abandons or embraces the cub after birth, the newborn panda cub should be promptly removed and placed in the incubator for artificial warming. Artificial warming and supplemental feeding with colostrum should be used for the first week after birth.
[0050] All other steps are the same as in Example 1.
[0051] Example 3
[0052] Based on Example 2, the ventilation opening on one side of the incubator (the temperature of the ventilation opening is 25°C) was opened at 36 days, the side door of the incubator was opened at 37 days, and the incubator was placed in the crib after 38 days. All other steps were the same as in Example 2.
[0053] Example 4
[0054] Based on Example 3, the cubs are covered with felt or by hand in the incubator, and wrapped in a towel for quick transfer. All other steps are the same as in Example 3.
[0055] Example 5
[0056] Based on Example 1, the morphological changes of the super light newborn giant panda cubs include: at 6 days old, the top of the head is swollen, and the changes are not obvious; at 7 days old, the ear tips, eye rings, and shoulder girdle show faint gray-black; at 17 days old, the ear tips and eye rings are black; the shoulder girdle of the forelimbs is obviously gray-black, and the hind limbs are gray; at 25 days old, the shoulder girdle is clearly black and white, the limbs are gray-black, and the two hind limbs have white fur; at 32 days old, there is a small amount of discharge from the corners of the eyes; at 39 days old, the left and right eyes are half open; at 42 days old, both eyes are fully open, and there is a lot of discharge from the corners of the eyes; at 50 days old, the black shoulder girdle and the black fur on the limbs gradually turn white; at 148 days old, they can run, and the other steps are the same as in Example 1.
[0057] Example 6
[0058] Based on Example 1, in step 2, the artificial supplementation of colostrum to the infants within the first week of life is as follows: Based on existing data on the total amount of breast milk intake per 100 grams of body weight for extremely light infants, the average colostrum intake is as follows: Day 0: 10.42g; Day 1: 15.9g; Days 2-4: 18.65g; Days 5-7: 25.83g; Days 8-9: 36.85g; Days 10-12: 44.18g; Days 13-17: 57.26g; Days 18-21: 72.54g; Days 22-30: 112.27g; Days 31-60: 170.25g. All other steps are the same as in Example 1.
[0059] Within the first week of birth: Extremely light newborn cubs are artificially supplemented with colostrum within the first week of birth. The colostrum comes from the milk of the (adoptive) mother. They should receive colostrum within 2 hours of birth, with the initial supplemental amount being 1-2 mL. The total milk intake on the first day should reach 11% of the cub's birth weight. Afterward, a combination of scheduled and quantitative feeding and on-demand feeding will be used. This involves first calculating the total daily milk intake and the frequency of supplemental feedings to determine the timing and amount of each feeding, and then adjusting based on the cub's appetite. (The average daily total milk intake per 100g of body weight of different newborn pandas is calculated using a fitted curve. Based on the principle that the daily supplemental milk intake for extremely light newborn cubs is higher than the average but lower than the upper limit, the daily recommended total milk intake for extremely light newborn cubs is determined. The number of supplemental feedings is approximately 10 times per day, with adjustments made based on the cub's appetite and feces at each feeding.)
[0060] From 7 to 90 days after birth: Follow the principle of allowing the pups to nurse from their mother first, and only supplement with breast milk if they cannot get enough (far below the standard total milk intake). Adjust the number of times the pups return to their mother, the number of times they are supplemented with breast milk, and the amount of breast milk each time, based on their weight gain, appetite, standard total milk intake, and amount of milk they consume independently. If the pups cannot find or latch onto the nipple while returning to their mother, assist them in finding the nipple and nursing. If they have obtained enough breast milk from their mother, no further supplementation is needed.
[0061] From 90 to 120 days: Follow the principle of allowing the animal to nurse from its mother first. If it cannot obtain enough milk (far below the recommended total milk intake), then supplement with formulated milk. If the animal is getting enough milk from its mother, then no further supplementation is needed. If the milk is insufficient, supplement with 50g of formulated milk, adjusting the total amount as needed based on its feeding, but never exceeding 80g. The formulated milk concentration is 25% (13g cat / dog milk powder + 13g infant formula + 74g 60℃ warm water).
[0062] Supplemental feeding method:
[0063] Prepare the feeding equipment. Choose a nipple of suitable size and hardness, with the milk outlet on one side of the nipple and of moderate size. The milk outlet should allow for easy suction without overflowing. The bottle should not be too large; a flexible, compressible plastic bottle is best. Before use, sterilize the nipple and bottle with high temperature (usually boiling water).
[0064] Preparation of breast milk or formula
[0065] Preparation of breast milk. Breast milk produced within the first week after birth is colostrum from the mother animal used for training. Breast milk produced from 7 to 90 days of age is milk from the mother animal used for training or from other mother animals. Breast milk produced from 90 to 120 days of age is artificially formulated.
[0066] Supplementing milk supply:
[0067] Calculate the amount of milk to be supplemented for each puppy. Based on the puppy's age and feeding ability, calculate the number of times and the total amount of milk to be supplemented for the puppy that day, and then calculate the amount of milk to be supplemented each time. Then, use a syringe of appropriate size to draw the prepared breast milk (formulated milk) into a sterilized bottle and warm it in a water bath at 35-40℃ for later use.
[0068] The specific procedure for supplemental feeding is as follows: The person supplementing the feeding first holds the infant and fixes them in a prone position on a towel mat, raising their head to a 45-60° angle with the towel. Test the bottle temperature (it should feel neither too hot nor too cold, approximately 30°C) by touching the back of your hand or forehead. Position the nipple with the milk outlet facing downwards (approximately 45°) and ensure it is partially filled with milk. Insert the nipple into the infant's mouth. While the infant is feeding, the rate at which the milk enters the infant's mouth can be controlled by adjusting the bottle's tilt angle, the duration the nipple remains in the infant's mouth each time, and by pressing down on the bottle. This ensures the milk enters the infant's mouth slowly and gradually, preventing choking.
[0069] Methods for determining whether an infant is getting enough milk include:
[0070] The infant is well-fed. In the first few days after birth, the infant's weight loss is within the normal range (average weight loss is within 12.22±5.07% of birth weight, with a maximum weight loss of 4 days). After regaining birth weight, the infant grows normally, with daily weight gain within the normal range. The infant has normal bowel movements, a loud voice, is active and energetic, and is generally quiet.
[0071] Insufficient feeding. Infants lose a lot of weight in the first few days after birth (far exceeding the average level, and the weight loss period is long), recover their birth weight slowly, or gain weight slowly or not at all after recovering their birth weight, with daily weight gain below the normal range, excessive mucus in their stool, and excessive crying for reasons other than illness. Infants are weak and powerless, and are prone to illness or even death.
[0072] Overfeeding. In the first few days after birth, if a newborn gains weight excessively instead of losing weight, growing far beyond the normal range, this can lead to sudden death. The infant's stool may be loose, have a strong fishy smell, be unformed, or be white due to indigestion (undigested milk particles). However, it is worth noting that white stool may also be caused by indigestion due to illness or low body temperature, rather than overfeeding.
[0073] Feed slowly. When supplementing, prevent milk from flowing into the baby's mouth too quickly, especially to prevent breast milk (or prepared milk) from entering the baby's airway and to prevent a large amount of air from being swallowed into the baby's stomach along with the breast milk (or prepared milk). If the baby has a weak sucking ability, you can gently squeeze the bottle to drip the breast milk (or prepared milk) little by little into the baby's mouth, allowing it to slowly seep into the stomach along the esophagus. You can even use a gastric tube (although it is generally not recommended).
[0074] Observe carefully. After supplementing with breast milk (formulated milk), the person supplementing the milk can hold the baby upright with its body facing upwards slightly, and then slowly lay it flat in the incubator, and observe for about 10 minutes; when the baby is a little older, gently pat its back to help it burp.
[0075] Pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene. After supplementing with breast milk (or formula), the person supplementing the milk should wipe the baby's mouth promptly and clean and sterilize the utensils used, and put them in the sterilizer for the next use.
[0076] Example 7
[0077] Based on Example 2, the incubator and the nursery where the incubator is located are disinfected (all items that staff and infants come into contact with are disinfected). Other steps are the same as in Example 2.
[0078] Figure 1 shows the weight change of the super light newborn giant panda cub within 5 months after birth, and Figure 2 shows the weight change of the super light newborn giant panda cub within one week after birth. As can be seen from Figure 1, the weight increases slowly in the first 25 days and then increases rapidly thereafter. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the birth weight of the super light newborn giant panda cub is 42.8g, and the lightest weight is 37.9g.
[0079] Figure 3 is a body size diagram of the newborn giant panda cub of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 3, the changes in head length and tail length are relatively stable, while body length, abdominal circumference and chest circumference show a rapid growth state.
[0080] Figure 4 shows the milk intake of the giant panda super light newborn cub within 5 months after birth according to the present invention.
[0081] The basis for setting the daily total milk intake of the giant panda cub Chenglang, who is extremely light at birth, in this application is:
[0082] First, the average daily intake of breast milk per 100g body weight of different newborn giant pandas was calculated using the fitting curve of existing technology to calculate the average total amount of breast milk at a certain age;
[0083] Secondly, referring to the characteristics of daily breast milk intake per 100g body weight of existing heavy pandas with different birth weights: the lower the birth weight, the higher the daily breast milk intake per 100g body weight; the relationship between birth weight and total daily breast milk intake per 100g body weight was preliminarily determined;
[0084] Finally, based on the relationship between birth weight and total daily breast milk intake per 100g of body weight, and the total breast milk intake per 100g of body weight of giant panda "Wuyi" (existing technology), the daily total milk intake of giant panda "Chenglang" was appropriately adjusted.
[0085] Setting the number of times the super light newborn giant panda cub Chenglang suckles (supplemented milk): Referring to the average number of times the giant panda cub "Shuqing" suckled during the mother's nursing period in the existing technology, the rated number of times the giant panda "Chenglang" suckled was initially set.
[0086] Example 8
[0087] Based on the above embodiments 1-7, the method further includes disinfection (disinfection includes personnel disinfection and environmental disinfection, wherein personnel disinfection includes washing hands with disinfectant water before entering the nursery, and changing the disinfectant solution every 4 hours; wearing disposable surgical gowns, masks, caps, and shoe covers before entering the nursery, and disinfecting hands with alcohol before contacting animals; sick personnel, especially those with infectious diseases such as colds or diarrhea, are not allowed to participate in nursery work; environmental disinfection includes disinfecting the nursery floor and operating room once a day; intermittently disinfecting the nursery using air disinfection equipment, and using disinfectant when necessary). Pills; disinfect the surrounding environment of the nursery once a day; promptly deal with flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, etc. inside and outside the nursery; sterilize feeding utensils by boiling for at least half an hour before each use; soak the cloths used to wipe the worktable, electronic scale, and baby box in disinfectant for 15 minutes and then wash them with clean water; cleaning tools such as brooms, dustpans, and mops are for nursery use only; change the baby mats daily, soak the used mats in disinfectant for 15 minutes, wash and dry them; disinfect the baby cotton pads every 3 days, soak them in disinfectant for 15 minutes, wash and dry them.
[0088] Example 9
[0089] Based on the above embodiments 1-7, the method further includes maternal care (the purpose of maternal care is to ensure that the mother animal has a healthy body and abundant energy, so as to provide the necessary breast milk for supplemental feeding during the early stage of artificial insemination of the ultralight pups and to provide warmth and breast milk for the pups during the rearing period, reducing the chance of the pups being crushed to death), the method of maternal care includes:
[0090] Clean and disinfect the animal enclosures, and ensure proper ventilation (clean and disinfect the animal enclosures environment, including the ground and observation passages, once a day, to ensure a clean and dry environment; minimize the entry of unrelated personnel, and when feeding and management personnel enter and exit the birthing and nursing enclosures, they should wear protective clothing and change into slippers. Staff who come into contact with giant pandas should not have respiratory diseases such as colds; keep the environment where the mother animal is born quiet and well-ventilated, avoid drafts or direct wind blowing on the mother animal, and keep the lighting dim).
[0091] Provide high-quality, palatable food (liquid food in the early stages of birth; easily digestible liquid food in the early postpartum period (e.g., within 15-20 days postpartum), such as a nutritionally balanced and partially digested nutrient solution (Nengquanli + amino acids = 1:1); try feeding palatable fresh bamboo leaves (bamboo shoots) as early as possible, which is beneficial for the mother to produce sufficient milk and recover her strength and intestinal function as soon as possible; gradually increase the amount of concentrated feed in the daily diet. Around 15 days postpartum or when the mother is eating bamboo, the amount of concentrated feed such as steamed buns can be increased appropriately. Gradually increase the amount of concentrated feed to the normal level according to the mother's stool condition, while gradually reducing liquid food until it is completely eliminated (generally, liquid food is completely eliminated around 30 days postpartum)).
[0092] Administer health supplements (appropriate amounts of vitamins and calcium);
[0093] The mother animal should rest well (some mother animals are weak and tired after giving birth. The cubs can be taken out after nursing and placed in a nursery to keep them warm, allowing the mother animal to rest for a period of time. The cubs can be returned to the mother animal to nurse when they need to nurse or when the mother animal looks for her cubs. If the mother animal is observed to be tired during the nursing process, the cubs can also be temporarily taken out and placed in a nursery to keep them warm, allowing the mother animal to rest appropriately and have time to eat bamboo).
[0094] The temperature of the nursery environment should be controlled between 20℃ and 24℃, preferably 23℃, with a humidity of 60-70%. (In high-temperature areas and seasons, the ambient temperature should be controlled at 23℃ (based on the mother's stable breathing). As the cubs grow older and the ambient temperature decreases, the ambient temperature should no longer be controlled. In low-temperature areas and seasons, the indoor ambient temperature for panda birthing can be appropriately increased to 23℃, and then gradually lowered to the normal indoor ambient temperature after approximately 20-30 days. In relatively dry areas, the ambient humidity should be appropriately increased to 60-70%).
[0095] To facilitate the mother animal's defecation (when staff observe that the mother animal is defecting but is unable to do so due to having cubs, the cubs can be removed first to allow the mother animal to defecate, and then the cubs can be returned to the mother animal).
Claims
1. A method for raising extremely light birth weight giant panda cubs, characterized in that, The process includes the following steps: Step 1: Artificial warming is performed on newborn panda cubs with extremely low birth weight to maintain their body temperature at 36.5℃-37℃. Specifically, in Step 1, the cub is removed from its mother and placed in a nursery box. The initial temperature of the nursery box is 36.6℃; the temperature is 37℃ from the beginning to 20 minutes; 36.9℃ from 20 minutes to 7 hours and 30 minutes; 36.8℃ from 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours and 40 minutes; and 36.6℃ from 9 hours and 40 minutes to 17 hours and 30 minutes. The cub is covered with a felt blanket or by hand within the nursery box to raise its body temperature to 35℃-37℃. During transfer, the cub is wrapped in a towel and moved quickly. Step 2: Within the first week after birth... Artificial supplementation with colostrum is provided, and the cubs will begin to feed on their mother's milk from day 8 onwards. The weight of the extremely light newborn giant panda cubs is ≤60g. In step 2, the average daily total amount of breast milk for the cubs is calculated as follows: Day 1-3 after birth: Y = G*(16.21*X-0.862) / 100; Day 4-37: Y = G*(45.95-0.93*X) / 100; Day 38-62: Y = G*(19.7-0.214*X) / 100, where G is the cub's weight on that day, X is the age in days, and Y is the amount of milk. The method also includes disinfection and maternal care. Maternal care includes: cleaning and disinfecting the enclosure, ensuring ventilation; providing high-quality, palatable food; administering health supplements; and controlling the temperature of the rearing environment to 20℃-24℃ and the humidity to 60-70%.
2. The method for raising ultralight birth weight giant panda cubs according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, on day 36, open the ventilation opening on one side of the incubator; on day 37, open the side door of the incubator; and after day 38, place it in the crib.
3. The method for raising ultralight birth weight giant panda cubs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The morphological changes of the super light birth weight giant panda cubs include: at 6 days after birth, the top of the head is swollen and the changes are not obvious; at 7 days after birth, the ear tips, eye rings and shoulder girdle show faint gray-black. At 17 days old, the ear tips and eye rims are black; the shoulder girdle of the forelimbs is distinctly gray-black, and the hind limbs are gray; at 25 days old, the shoulder girdle is distinctly black and white, the limbs are gray-black, and the two hind limbs have white hair; at 32 days old, there is a small amount of discharge from the corners of the eyes. At 39 days old, both eyes were half-open; At 42 days old, its eyes are fully open and there is a lot of discharge from the corners of its eyes; at 50 days old, the black fur on its shoulder straps and limbs gradually turns white; at 148 days old, it can run.
4. The method for raising ultralight birth weight giant panda cubs according to claim 2, characterized in that, The weight of the giant panda cubs with extremely low birth weight is 42.80g and / or 51g.