Evaluation of opuntia ficus-indica cactus grown in Western Region of Iran as animal feed

Joint Authors

Kafilzadah, F.
Taasoli, G.
Khamisabadi, H.

Source

مجلة الفرات للعلوم الزراعية

Publisher

University of Babylon College of Agriculture (Previously) / Al-Qasim Green University College of Agriculture (Currently)

Publication Date

2011-12-31

Country of Publication

Iraq

No. of Pages

5

Main Subjects

Zoology

Topics

• Animals
• Nutrition
• Iran

English Abstract

Under arid and semiarid conditions of the tropics and subtropics, poor quality and inadequate supply of feed and lack of water are among the major constraints on livestock production.

Spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is an important feed for ruminants in drought regions especially, during the dry season due to forage shortage.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the in vitro ruminal fermentation using gas production technique, of opuntia ficus indica cactus that was cultivated in west region of Iran.

High NFC content of opuntia ficus indica cactus resulted in rapid fermentation in early hours of incubation.

It was highly digestible.

Opuntia ficus indica was moderate in CP and similar to common temperate or tropical grasses and legumes.

Opuntia ficus-indica may serve as a link between crop residues, legume forages and NPN sources by supplying readily available organic matter.

Data Type

Conference Papers

Record ID

BIM-333202

• APA
• MLA
• AMA