Ruminal fermentation of spiny ( Opuntia amyclae) and spineless ( Opuntia ficus indica f. inermis) cactus cladodes and diets including cactus

Ruminal fermentation of spineless Opuntia ficus indica f. inermis, OFI) and spiny ( Opuntia amyclae, OA) cactus cladodes and of diets including them was determined in glass syringes and single-flow continuous culture fermenters, respectively. The OFI and OA chemical composition and gas production were similar. Two iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic diets composed of barley straw, OFI (OFI-diet) or OA (OA-diet), Atriplex nummularia L., a mineral–vitamin mixture, and urea were supplied to four single-flow continuous culture fermenters. Digested carbohydrates (DCHO), volatile fatty acids (VFA) output and efficiency, non-ammonia (NAN) and bacterial N output and efficiency were similar ( P>0.05) for OFI- and OA-diets. We conclude that OFI and OA had similar nutritive value. In vivo studies are needed to confirm current results.