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.