Edible spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica): A promising alternative forage source for livestock

Abstract

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.

Genetic diversity and relationships among Nopalea sp. and Opuntia spp. accessions revealed by RAPD, ISSR and ITS molecular markers

“…The cactus pear Opuntia and Nopalea are widely cultivated for forage purposes in several arid and semiarid regions of the world [1]. The succulent stems (cladode) of cactus pear are rich in water, sugars, ash, vitamins A and C, but are poor in crude protein and ber [2].…”