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Nutrient intake and utilization in sheep fed opuntia [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] in combination with conventional green and dry fodders
Abstract
The nutritive value of opuntia [(Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] in combination with conventional fodders was assessed on 32 adult sheep, divided into 4 equal groups. The experimental diets consisted of chopped (5-8 cm) green opuntia cladodes (150 g on dry matter basis per head daily) in combination with chopped green napier (Pennisetum purpureum) grass (T1), berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay (T2), lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus) straw (T3) and gram (Cicer arietinum) straw (T4) ad libitum. All experimental animals were supplemented with 200 g concentrate mixture per head daily. Total DM intake ranged from 3.39 to 4.35 per cent of live weight and it was higher (P<0.01) in experimental groups where berseem hay and lathyrus straw were used as basal feed (T2 and T3). The total tract apparent digestibility of DM, OM and CP were lower (P<0.01) in sheep fed opuntia with gram straw (T4) diet compared to other diets (T1, T2 and T3). Similarly digestibility of fibre fractions (NDF, ADF and cellulose) was also lower (P<0.01) on T4 diet. Intake of digestible DM, OM and TDN were significantly lower in T4 diet, where opuntia was supplemented with gram straw as basal feed, however, it did not differ (P<0.01) with T1 diet. The DCP intake was lower (P<0.01) in T4 (3.12 g/ kgW0.75) when compared to the standard requirements of 5.00 g/kgW0.75 in sheep for maintenance. But intake of TDN was over and above (48.74 to 62.10 g/kgW0.75) the prescribed requirements of 36.00 g/kgW0.75 in sheep for maintenance when considered for all the groups. Animals of all the experimental groups were in positive nitrogen balance. However, N intake, balance, absorb and retention were lower (P<0.01) in T4 diet compared to other diets, but the N excretion through faeces and urine was similar in T1 and T4; and T2 and T3. No significant (P<0.01) changes in live weight were observed and animals maintained the live weight throughout the experimental period. It was evident from the results that opuntia was highly palatable and in combination with conventional fodder sources could maintain adult sheep during summer in semi-arid conditions.
... The DM range was 2.9 to 6.9%. Misra et al. (2018) reported an average DM of 7.56% in feeding trials in India. The low percentage of DM indicates that cactus pear alone cannot meet the DM requirement for animals (eg. ...
... Therefore, mixing it with other fodder would be an effective option to support livestock nutrition needs. However, the low fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, cellulose, and lignin) of the plants (31.3 to 40.9%, 17.2 to 23.1%, 10.6 to 18.5%, and 3.7 to 5.5%, respectively) indicated that cactus pear is nutritive and digestible (Misra et al. 2018) and is also the reason for its higher crude protein level (CP, 9.0-13.8%). Our results are consistent with those of Gregory and Felker (1992), who reported 4-12% CP content in eight contrasting cactus pear accessions. ...
Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) can survive extreme environmental condition and is known for its fodder potential in many parts of the
world. The morphological diversity of 15 introduced accessions was evaluated at Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The plants were established in 2013.
Survival and nutrient status were evaluated after two years. Above-ground
plant height, biomass, primary and secondary cladode numbers, primary
and secondary cladode lengths and below-ground root length, weight, and
surface area measurements were done six years after cladode planting.
Yellow San Cono, White Roccapalumba, and Seedless Roccapalumba survived 100%. The discriminant traits according to principal component
analysis were: primary cladodes plant−1 (component loading, 0.87), primary
cladodes biomass (0.95), secondary cladodes plant−1 (0.83), canopy width
(0.84), and plant biomass (0.92). Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped 15
accessions into two main clusters based on 17 morphological traits. Cluster
I showed favorable values for many above- and below-ground morphological traits while Cluster II showed higher performance for root system
width, height, and biomass, and primary and secondary cladode numbers.
The results indicate that cactus pear accessions have considerable morphological variability and genetic diversity suitable for promotion as alternative
fodder resources in semi-arid regions of India
... They also noticed that cactus oil contains a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid, which is known to improve health conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease) (Valente et al., 2010). The use of legume species as high-quality substitutes for lowquality Opuntia in animal feed is becoming increasingly popular, as demonstrated by some genera of the Fabaceae family, particularly the wild species of the genus Vicia (Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022) and Lathyrus L. (Misra et al., 2018). High-quality animal feed produced from legumes produces high-quality animal products (G€ ursoy, 2021). ...
... They also noticed that cactus oil contains a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid, which is known to improve health conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease) (Valente et al., 2010). The use of legume species as high-quality substitutes for lowquality Opuntia in animal feed is becoming increasingly popular, as demonstrated by some genera of the Fabaceae family, particularly the wild species of the genus Vicia (Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022) and Lathyrus L. (Misra et al., 2018). High-quality animal feed produced from legumes produces high-quality animal products (G€ ursoy, 2021). ...
The aim of this review is to show the diverse applications and the phytochemical and pharmacological findings in connection with prickly pear plants of the Cactaceae family. Opuntia species, which are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America and also play an important role in Mexico, have considerable health-promoting potential. Various parts of the plant, including cladodes, seeds, flowers, peels and fruits, contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Opuntia is rich in phenolic antioxidants and pigments such as betalains and exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide scientific evidence for the chemical composition and beneficial properties of Opuntia sp. and to promote further research into their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In addition, Opuntia sp. offer promising opportunities for various applications in both food and non-food sectors.
... They also noticed that cactus oil contains a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid, which is known to improve health conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease) (Valente et al., 2010). The use of legume species as high-quality substitutes for lowquality Opuntia in animal feed is becoming increasingly popular, as demonstrated by some genera of the Fabaceae family, particularly the wild species of the genus Vicia (Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022) and Lathyrus L. (Misra et al., 2018). High-quality animal feed produced from legumes produces high-quality animal products (G€ ursoy, 2021). ...
The aim of this review is to show the diverse applications and the phytochemical and pharmacological findings in connection with prickly pear plants of the Cactaceae family. Opuntia species, which are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America and also play an important role in Mexico, have considerable health-promoting potential. Various parts of the plant, including cladodes, seeds, flowers, peels and fruits, contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Opuntia is rich in phenolic antioxidants and pigments such as betalains and exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide scientific evidence for the chemical composition and beneficial properties of Opuntia sp. and to promote further research into their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In addition, Opuntia sp. offer promising opportunities for various applications in both food and non-food sectors.
... They also noticed that cactus oil contains a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid, which is known to improve health conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease) (Valente et al., 2010). The use of legume species as high-quality substitutes for lowquality Opuntia in animal feed is becoming increasingly popular, as demonstrated by some genera of the Fabaceae family, particularly the wild species of the genus Vicia (Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022) and Lathyrus L. (Misra et al., 2018). High-quality animal feed produced from legumes produces high-quality animal products (G€ ursoy, 2021). ...
The aim of this review is to show the diverse applications and the phytochemical and pharmacological findings in connection with prickly pear plants of the Cactaceae family. Opuntia species, which are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America and also play an important role in Mexico, have considerable health-promoting potential. Various parts of the plant, including cladodes, seeds, flowers, peels and fruits, contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Opuntia is rich in phenolic antioxidants and pigments such as betalains and exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide scientific evidence for the chemical composition and beneficial properties of Opuntia sp. and to promote further research into their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In addition, Opuntia sp. offer promising opportunities for various applications in both food and non-food sectors.
... They also noticed that cactus oil contains a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid, which is known to improve health conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease) (Valente et al., 2010). The use of legume species as high-quality substitutes for lowquality Opuntia in animal feed is becoming increasingly popular, as demonstrated by some genera of the Fabaceae family, particularly the wild species of the genus Vicia (Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022) and Lathyrus L. (Misra et al., 2018). High-quality animal feed produced from legumes produces high-quality animal products (G€ ursoy, 2021). ...
The aim of this review is to show the diverse applications and the phytochemical and pharmacological findings in connection with prickly pear plants of the Cactaceae family. Opuntia species, which are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America and also play an important role in Mexico, have considerable health-promoting potential. Various parts of the plant, including cladodes, seeds, flowers, peels and fruits, contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Opuntia is rich in phenolic antioxidants and pigments such as betalains and exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide scientific evidence for the chemical composition and beneficial properties of Opuntia sp. and to promote further research into their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In addition, Opuntia sp. offer promising opportunities for various applications in both food and non-food sectors.
... They also noticed that cactus oil contains a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid, which is known to improve health conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease) (Valente et al., 2010). The use of legume species as high-quality substitutes for lowquality Opuntia in animal feed is becoming increasingly popular, as demonstrated by some genera of the Fabaceae family, particularly the wild species of the genus Vicia (Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022) and Lathyrus L. (Misra et al., 2018). High-quality animal feed produced from legumes produces high-quality animal products (G€ ursoy, 2021). ...
The aim of this review is to show the diverse applications and the phytochemical and pharmacological findings in connection with prickly pear plants of the Cactaceae family. Opuntia species, which are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America and also play an important role in Mexico, have considerable health-promoting potential. Various parts of the plant, including cladodes, seeds, flowers, peels and fruits, contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Opuntia is rich in phenolic antioxidants and pigments such as betalains and exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide scientific evidence for the chemical composition and beneficial properties of Opuntia sp. and to promote further research into their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In addition, Opuntia sp. offer promising opportunities for various applications in both food and non-food sectors.
... They also noticed that cactus oil contains a high concentration of omega-6 linoleic acid, which is known to improve health conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease) (Valente et al., 2010). The use of legume species as high-quality substitutes for lowquality Opuntia in animal feed is becoming increasingly popular, as demonstrated by some genera of the Fabaceae family, particularly the wild species of the genus Vicia (Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022) and Lathyrus L. (Misra et al., 2018). High-quality animal feed produced from legumes produces high-quality animal products (G€ ursoy, 2021). ...
The aim of this review is to show the diverse applications and the phytochemical and pharmacological findings in connection with prickly pear plants of the Cactaceae family. Opuntia species, which are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America and also play an important role in Mexico, have considerable health-promoting potential. Various parts of the plant, including cladodes, seeds, flowers, peels and fruits, contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. Opuntia is rich in phenolic antioxidants and pigments such as betalains and exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide scientific evidence for the chemical composition and beneficial properties of Opuntia sp. and to promote further research into their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In addition, Opuntia sp. offer promising opportunities for various applications in both food and non-food sectors.
... However, the opuntia plant remains green even during summer and can serve as a feed resource during scarcity. In view of possible importance of opuntia as scarcity feed in hot semi-arid and arid environments, a study (Misra et al. 2018) was undertaken to assess nutrient intake and utilization in sheep fed opuntia in conjunction with conventional green and dry fodders ...
The CGIAR Research Program on Livestock (Livestock CRP) provides research-based solutions to help smallholder farmers, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists transition to sustainable, resilient livelihoods and productive businesses that help feed future generations. It aims to increase the productivity and profitability of agri-food systems for livestock in a sustainable manner, and to make meat, milk and eggs
more available and affordable in developing countries. This report presents a summary of research for development on Feeds and Forages conducted over the past 10 years under the Livestock CRP.
In Kutch (Gujarat District, India), there is a growing concern about the lack of good quality forage owing to the arid climate and poor soil health. Opuntia ficus-indica has been increasingly recognized as a drought-resilient forage in arid Kutch. This study seeks to identify the maturity phase of cactus cladodes with the best forage qualities. Five accessions of spineless forage cactus (CBG, No. 1270, No. 1271, No. 1308, and Bianca Macomer) and three cladode maturity phases (young, intermediate, and mature) were examined in a randomized block design experiment in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement. Although only mineral matter and total carbohydrate concentration were significantly different among the accessions, CBG showed better forage qualities than other accessions. Dry matter, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, ether extract, and total carbohydrate accumulations were higher in the intermediate phase. In the mature phase, relatively difficult to digest fiber components such as neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose increase. Our findings indicate that for spineless forage cactus grown in arid areas, the intermediate phase is the best phase to harvest cladodes for feeding livestock.
Worldwide, the invasiveness of Opuntia spp. and its impact on various ecosystem services has been recognised especially in semi-arid areas where rainfall is erratic. The semi-arid environments are the habitats of plants which have adapted to be able to grow in severe hot and dry regions. Opuntia spp. normally thrives in conditions of high temperatures, low rainfall, saline soils and it can also adapt and survive in severely degraded soils which have a limited nutrients supply. Its positive impact includes its recognised value as livestock fodder. Opuntia’s adaptability to harsh conditions, high dry matter yield, palatability and significant levels of energy, as well as its availability at a low cost during the dry season, decreases the use of expensive supplements and conventional diets in many areas. There is a need to understand the importance of this invasive Opuntia species when incorporated in animal diets. As a part of its control measures, the use of livestock in controlling the spread of Opuntia may assist in reducing its abundance and invasiveness while at the same time providing a consistent supply of forage during the dry season. Information on its nutritive value, incorporating the species in animal diets and the means to control it must be well understood to recognise the species’ contribution to an ecosystem.
A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of thornless cactus on water intake and nutrient utilization in Tharparkar young bulls in hot arid zone of Rajasthan. Eight Tharparkar young bulls were distributed randomly into two groups of four in each, as control (T0) and treatment (T1). The animals in each group were fed individually dried chaffed Cenchrus ciliaris grass ad libitum, 1.0 kg of pelleted concentrate mixture in T0, while 1.0 kg of pelleted concentrate mixture and 2.5 kg of fresh chaffed cactus cladodes in T1. Total dry matter intake (g/kgW0.75) was 102.5 and 96.9 in animals of T0 and T1 group, respectively, whereas water intake for respective groups was 488.09 and 413.64 ml/kgW0.75. Total digestible nutrient content differed significantly (P<0.05) between the groups and the values were 55.95 and 70.43% in T0 and T1 group, respectively. The study suggested that cactus cladodes can be supplemented in the ration of cattle without any adverse effect on health status of animals. © 2017, Range Management Society of India. All rights reserved.
Singed plains pricklypear was assessed as a cattle forage. In an 84-day feeding trial, six pairs of heifers were individually fed a basal ration of hay and cottonseed meal at 2.3% of initial bodyweight. One heifer in each pair also ate singed pricklypear offered ad libitum. Pricklypear increased total dry matter consumption 43% and weight gain 72%. The heifers experienced no digestive problems during the trial or ensuing 60 days on pricklypear range. Chemical analyses and microdigestion trials indicated that digestibility of pricklypear was equal or superior to that of high quality alfalfa hay. Pricklypear contained about 40% more soluble carbohydrates than alfalfa hay, but contained only 3.4% digestible protein. Therefore, rations containing pricklypear would usually require protein supplementation. We concluded that singed pricklypear was a palatable and nutritious feed and should be evaluated as an additional forage on shortgrass range.
The effects of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus indica var. inermis) supply on digestion of wheat straw was studied n rumen cannulated sheep. In addition to urea (10 g) and mineral and vitamin mixture (30 g), the animals — received wheat straw alone or supplemented with graded levels of spineless cactus (150, 300, 450 or 600 g dry natter (DM) per head per day). The diets were studied in five successive 25-day periods from February to June 992 in Tunisia. "Water consumption, food intake, digestibility, diurnal variations of ruminal fermentation (pH, mmonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids, protozoal concentrations in rumen fluid) and cellulolytic activity in the umen were measured.Spineless cactus had high contents of ash (260 g/kg DM) and water (926 g/kg fresh weight) and low neutral-detergent fibre content (185 g NDF per kg DM). Crude protein (CP) content of spineless cactus was 2-5 times reater than that of wheat straw (58 v. 23 g/kg DM, respectively). Drinking water consumption was substantially educed (P < 0·001) as the level of spineless cactus increased. When spineless cactus supply exceeded 300 g DM peray, sheep consumed practically no drinking water. The voluntary intake of straw increased significantly with vineless cactus level. Total diet apparent digesibilities of DM, organic matter and CP tended to increase with mneless cactus supply. Such increase was significant only with the 450 and 600 g levels of cactus. NDF and acidetergent-fibre apparent digestibilities were not affected by spineless cactus supply. Addition of spineless cactus up i 300 g DM significantly increased ruminal ammonia nitrogen (P< 0·001) but there was no additional effect with irther supplementation. When sheep were supplemented with spineless cactus, total rumen volatile fatty acid icreased and acetate: propionate ratio decreased significantly. Moreover, spineless cactus supply increased total wtozoa number and reduced significantly rumen cellulolytic activity measured as DM and NDF disappearance of heat straw from incubated nylon bags.
Prickly pear cactus [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] and roughage (Cenchrus ciliaris)-based diets with (OCG) or without (OC) an organic N source supplement (50g groundnut meal) were compared to a roughage plus 200g concentrate (CC)-supplemented diet. Intake, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, excretion of urinary purine derivatives and microbial N supply in Malpura hoggets were assessed. Opuntia cladodes contained DM 218g/kg, CP 126g/kg, NDF 466g/kg and ash 172g/kg of DM. Dry matter intake through cladodes was 237–243g in opuntia-based diets. Dry matter intake was lowest (P
The nutritive value of prickly pear cactus (Opuntiaspp.) was assessed on 18 adult rams divided into three equal groups fed either (i)Cenchrus ciliarishay to appetite plus 200 g concentrate (G1), (ii) chopped cactus andCenchrus ciliaris(G2), and (iii) chopped cactus andSorghum helepense(G3in a cafeteria system.Opuntia-fed groups G2and G3consumed 6·31 and 4·21 kg fresh cactus daily, amounting to 79 and 54% of dry matter intake, respectively. The cactus-fed G2and G3consumed less (p<0·01) drinking water. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein, and nutritive value were higher (p<0·01) in G1and G3than G2. G1animals maintained weight and those in G2and G3lost weight. It is concluded thatOpuntiais highly palatable and dry conserved fodder can sustain sheep during scarcity.
There is a need to standardize the NDF procedure. Procedures have varied because of the use of different amylases in attempts to remove starch interference. The original Bacillus subtilis enzyme Type IIIA (XIA) no longer is available and has been replaced by a less effective enzyme. For fiber work, a new enzyme has received AOAC approval and is rapidly displacing other amylases in analytical work. This enzyme is available from Sigma (Number A3306; Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO). The original publications for NDF and ADF (43, 53) and the Agricultural Handbook 379 (14) are obsolete and of historical interest only. Up to date procedures should be followed. Triethylene glycol has replaced 2-ethoxyethanol because of reported toxicity. Considerable development in regard to fiber methods has occurred over the past 5 yr because of a redefinition of dietary fiber for man and monogastric animals that includes lignin and all polysaccharides resistant to mammalian digestive enzymes. In addition to NDF, new improved methods for total dietary fiber and nonstarch polysaccharides including pectin and beta-glucans now are available. The latter are also of interest in rumen fermentation. Unlike starch, their fermentations are like that of cellulose but faster and yield no lactic acid. Physical and biological properties of carbohydrate fractions are more important than their intrinsic composition.
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