The giant panda feeds exclusively on fibrous bamboo, yet they still manage to stay chubby and healthy. Researchers reveal that shifts in the bear’s gut microbiota in the season when nutritious bamboo shoots become available helps the herbivorous bear gain more weight and store more fat, which may compensate for the lack of nutrients in seasons when there are only bamboo leaves to chew on.
Click here for original story, A giant panda’s gut bacteria help it remain chubby while on a bamboo diet
Source: ScienceDaily