Effects of cladode age on biomass yield and nutritional value of intensively produced spineless cactus for ruminants

Abstract

A randomized complete block design with five replications was used to assess biomass yield, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and nutritional value of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) produced under drip irrigation and fertilization. Cladodes were harvested from an established plantation at 30, 37, 45, 60, 75 and 90 d of growth. Weight per cladode increased linearly and length increased quadratically with maturity. Biomass yield (t/ha), gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre increased quadratically with maturity. Thus, the curve became asymptotic at 60 d of growth (28.9 ± 2.1 cm). As growth progressed, concentration of CP and nitrates decreased, and that of fibre increased. In vitro solubility, potential digestibility and digestibility rate of DM decreased linearly with increased maturity of the cladodes. However, there was a quadratic effect of maturity on total digestibility of DM. Thus, the curve became asymptote at 75 d. The optimal yield of nutrients, nutritional value and IVDMD of cladodes were recorded between 60 and 75 d of age when they were 29 to 31 cm in length.

Comparative analysis of the <i>in vitro</i> M fermentation of wasted cladodes (<i>Opuntia spp</i>.), lucerne and oat hays

“…The moisture content (96%) in the wasted cladodes (Table 1) was similar to values reported by Arias et al (2003) and Pinos-Rodríguez et al (2010), who obtained ranges of 93% to 95%. This high moisture content is important during the dry season in arid and semi-arid regions and where water is a limiting factor for livestock production (Tegegne et al, 2007).…”

“…Shoop et al (1977) reported that the IVDMD of cactus pear (63.8%) was similar to that of lucerne (63.7%), but the in vivo DM digestibility of cactus pear after incubation for 16 h was higher (18%) than for lucerne. Oat hay Wasted cladodes Pinos-Rodríguez et al (2010) reported that the IVDMD of cladodes at 45 -60 days old was 75% and 73%, respectively, similar to the results of the present study, while Batista et al (2003) reported that the IVDMD for 10 varieties of cactus was 60% -70% after incubation for 72 h. This finding further justified the use of cactus in ruminant feed, consistent with the results of Tegegne et al (2007). The concentration of VFAs that originated from the in vitro fermentation of cladodes was similar (P >0.05) to that obtained from lucerne hay and higher (P <0.05) than that obtained for oat hay (Table 2).…”

Morphological Characteristics and Forage Productivity of Irrigated Cactus Pear Under Different Cutting Intensities

“…The high yield potential of cactus pear fresh matter is confirmed in the literature with a production of 227.0 Mg ha -1 reported using drip irrigation and 75 days of growth in Mexico, with a planting density of 125,000 plants ha -1 (PINOS-RODRIGUEZ et al, 2010) The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of different cutting intensities and years of harvesting on the morphological characteristics and productivity of irrigated cactus pear cv. Gigante at a high planting density, with 12 months of regrowth.…”

Dry matter accumulation and seasonal partitioning in mature Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. fruiting trees

“…Acevedo et al (1983) measured a cladode dry mass production of 1 kg m -2 ground area and 0.3 kg fruit m -2 year -1 . Recently Pinos-Rodríguez et al (2010) reported a dry mass production of 1.39 kg m -2 , for OFI grown to produce fresh biomass for cattle use. Nobel (1988) reports maximum values of 2 kg dry mass m -2 ground area year -1 .…”