R. B. JADHAV, S. V. DAMAME*, S. A. LANDGE AND D. C. VANJARE
AICRP on Forage Crops & Utilization
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722 (Maharashtra), India
*(e-mail : shivajidamame@gmail.com)
(Received : 22 November 2022; Accepted : 30 December 2022)
SUMMARY
An experiment was conducted to examine the nutritional quality of diversified germplasm of spineless fodder cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill). The young i.e. uppermost cladodes and mature i.e. lowermost cladodes were harvested and evaluated for proximate composition and fodder quality parameters such as crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash, total carbohydrates, dry matter, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Among the thirty four fodder cactus germplasm studied, the per cent crude fibre, ash, dry matter, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre contents were higher in mature than young cladodes. While, the per cent crude protein, ether extract, total carbohydrates and in vitro dry matter digestibility were higher in young cladodes. The younger cladodes of germplasm COPENE F1 recorded the highest in vitro dry matter digestibility of 78.5 per cent with lowest per cent crude fibre, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre of 10.9, 13.2 and 17.2 per cent, respectively. The mature cladodes of COPENE F1 recorded the highest dry matter of 14.01%. The germplasm No. 1248 recorded the highest crude protein content of 9.7% in young cladodes. The young cladodes of germplasm No. 1258 recorded the highest ether extract of 3.0%. The mature cladodes of germplasm Palma Redonde recorded the highest ash content of 29.8%. The germplasm No. 1308 recorded the highest total carbohydrates of 79.8% than rest of the germplasms.
Key words: Spineless fodder cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica, dry matter, nutritional quality