Survey of the nutrition value cactus (Opuntia ficus indica)-alfalfa mixed silage using gas production and effect of ensiling duration on its quality in ruminant nutrition

In this study, first, the gas production content of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus indica), alfalfa hay and spineless cactus-alfalfa silage were determined, then the effect of ensiling time on silage quality characteristics and nutritional value in day 30, 45, and 60 were examined. To prepare silage, the spineless cactus (66 %) was chopped and mixed with alfalfa (34 %) and ensiled in plastic bags. The collected data were analyzed in a completely randomized design with five replications. The gas production volume (ml) was significant difference among cactus, alfalfa hay, and cactus-alfalfa silage (P<0.05). The pH of the silage increased during ensiling on day 45 and 60 (P<0.05). Also, the lowest crude protein percentage and the highest ammonia nitrogen concentration were observed after ensiling for 60 days (P<0.05). The concentration of lactic acid and fleig point decreased after ensiling for 60 days (P<0.05). The concentration of oleic (cisC18:1), linoleic (cisC18:2) and linolenic fatty acids were highest on day 30 (P<0.05). The spineless cactus has a good digestible organic matter and its cultivation can be considered as an alternative feed. The high carbohydrates in spineless cactus improved the fermentation conditions and mixing it with alfalfa hay improved the quality of silage, so that the index of relative value of silage in all sampling periods was estimated to be favorable. Therefore, ensiling of cactus with a source of protein and fiber can be used to compensate for the lack of animal feed in hot and dry areas.