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In vitro trials were conducted to study the effect of fortification of different levels of K. alvarezii based seaweed product (K. Alvarezii powder: Gracilaria salicornia powder: K. alvarezii sap powder in 1: 1: 1 ratio) to basal substrate on digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. The results showed that supplementation of different levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) of K. alvarezii based seaweed product to the basal substrate consisting of sugargraze fodder (sorghum × sorgho × sudan grass hybrid) and concentrate mixture in 60: 40 ratio) did not affect in vitro true DM and OM digestibility, total gas production, methane production, ammonia-N, microbial biomass production, individual volatile fatty acid production and metabolisable energy values to any significant extent.

Spineless cactus (Opuntia fcus-indica) is a fast growing xerophytic plant well adapted to arid conditions. It remains green even during summer and can serve as a feed resource during scarcity. Its productivity is high in fertile soils and with irrigation facilities but it also grows in poor soils and with little water. It doesn't need well-drained soils and tolerates salinity to a higher extent. Cactus can produce a biomass of 20-200 tonnes DM/ha/year. Cactus pear has the advantage of being a source of water for animals particularly during the dry season. The adaptations enable cactus to convert water 4-5 times more efficiently to DM than the most efficient grasses. Cactus cladodes are high in water, sugars, ash, vitamins A and C but they are low in crude protein and fibre. They exhibit a high Ca: P ratio and are highly palatable. Spineless cactus can be used as a source of alternative green fodder for the livestock particularly in small ruminants and has the capability to combat extreme draught conditions with round the year availability. Though many varieties/clones of spineless cactus have been developed but their potential as animal feed need to be investigated further.

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