Carcass traits and meat quality of goats fed with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage subjected to an intermittent water supply

Abstract

The effect of different proportions of cactus pear (Opuntia fícus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (P = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical-chemical characteristics were not affected (P > 0.05) by the CPS or IWS. The IWS reduced (P = 0.04) the elongase enzyme activity. The CPS inclusion in the diet reduced C22:0 (P = 0.01), some branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), C20:1 (P = 0.03), c13-C18:1 (P= 0.01) fatty acids. Therefore, in situations of water scarcity, an intermittent water supply of up to 48 hours and diets with up to 42% cactus pear silage, can be adopted in goat feedlot, without affecting carcass traits and meat quality.

The Inclusion of Pigeon Pea Hay Improves the Quality of Giant Cactus Harvested at Different Times

“…As a consequence of its high water content, the use of this alternative forage in the ruminant diet reduces water intake [13] and decreases competition between humans and animals for water availability in arid and semi-arid environments. The high production of biomass favors the storage of this forage to be used in times of a low availability of water and food for ruminants [14]. However, the high water content in the giant cactus is a negative parameter for the silage process [11].…”