Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition in 31 Species of Staple Food Bamboos Consumed by Giant Panda in China

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the macronutrient content in the shoots, leaves, and culms of bamboo species across various seasons within the habitats of wild giant pandas and in the cultivated regions for captive giant pandas. Results showed that crude protein (CP), fat, ash, and primary moisture (PM) contents of bamboo shoots were elevated, while there was a reduction in fiber content when compared to the leaves and culms (p < 0.05). Nutritional composition varied among bamboo sources, with wild bamboo leaves exhibiting higher CP concentrations and lower fiber content (p < 0.05), and higher CP and lower fiber in the bamboo of Xiangling mountains were observed. Almost all species exhibited greater concentrations of CP and PM and lower level of ash in annual bamboo leaves compared to the biennial and perennial (p < 0.05). Moreover, as the bamboo culms matured, there was an increase in acid detergent lignin (ADL), soluble sugar (SS), starch, and gross energy (GE) (p < 0.05). The ash, fiber, and GE contents were increased while the CP and SS were decreased both in leaves and culms among different bamboo species from spring to summer and fall. Moreover, Fargesia displayed lower PM, fiber, and ash levels compared to other species studied, and especially over 20% CP concentration was found in the annual leaves of Bashania spanostachya. These results indicated that macronutrient values of bamboo leaves and culms varied among species and were significantly influenced by the age of growth and seasonal changes.