<i>Opuntia</i> spp. as Alternative Fodder for Sustainable Livestock Production
2022
Grazia Pastorelli | Valentina Serra | Camilla Vannuccini | Everaldo Attard
During the past decades, livestock production has increased significantly, which has led to the degradation of rangelands due to overgrazing. The lack of water in several arid areas has led to a decline in crop and animal husbandry. As a consequence, the demand for drought-resistant crops has increased significantly so as to keep crop and animal husbandry systems viable and sustainable. <i>Cactaceae</i> have adaptive characteristics that ensure their development progress under drought conditions. The present review provides information on the nutritive value of <i>Opuntia</i> in animal fodder production, its effects on animal performance, and the quality of the animal-derived products. In conclusion, the use of <i>Opuntia</i> as innovative alternative feed would render animal production systems more sustainable.
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