Table 3 Components of reproductive performance by mutual mate preference in giant pandas.

From: Free mate choice enhances conservation breeding in the endangered giant panda

Variable

Pairing type*

Test

P

 

P–P

P–NP

NP–P

NP–NP

  

Total mate pairings

12

4

7

3

  

Total successful intromissions

83.3%a

50.0%a,b

57.1%a

0.0%b

F3,22=2.97

0.05

Cubs produced

90.0%a

50.0%a,b

50.0%b

0.0%b

F3,22=3.37

0.04

Mother reared cubs

88.8%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

F1,9=0.14

0.87

Mean number of cubs

1.4 (0.48)

1

1 (0.71)

0

F1,9=0.90

0.44

Mean male age (years)

12.3 (0.82)

13.3 (0.75)

11.4 (1.13)

8.7 (0.88)

F3,22=0.90

0.45

Mean female age (years)

10.9 (1.16)

8.8 (1.43)

11 (1.69)

13.3 (0.67)

F3,22=0.87

0.47

Mean male body mass (kg)

123.6 (2.01)a

111.5 (8.83)b

122.3 (3.37)a,b

96 (4.58)b

F3,22=2.71

0.06

Mean female body mass (kg)

107 (6.95)

105.3 (11.05)

114.3 (3.24)

109.0 (3.51)

F3,22=0.72

0.55

  1. NP, non-preferred; P, preferred.
  2. Numbers or mean values (s.e.), χ2 tests, and P values for various traits related to litter production by females that were mated with either a P or NP male. For each mating type, the female’s preference of mate (P or NP) is given first, followed by the male’s preference of mate. Different superscript letters (a,b) indicate significant differences (P<0.05) using a Tukey HD post hoc test.
  3. *Parentheses are s.e.s.
  4. Proportion scaled to the variable above (for example, total successful intromissions out of total mate pairings).