Optimizing a mix of forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera), tifton (Cynodon sp.) hay and urea for efficient feeding of ruminants in the brazilian semi-arid ecotype

Abstract

Prolonged drought and resource scarcity have limited feed availability for livestock in arid and semi-arid regions, necessitating strategic resource management to sustain cattle productivity. This study evaluated the use of spineless cactus as an alternative feed ingredient for ruminants in dryland areas. The experiment assessed in vitro cumulative gas production from silages of Miúda forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) combined with Tifton 85 Bermuda Grass (Cynodon sp.) hay and varying levels of urea (1%, 2%, and 3% on a dry matter basis) as a nitrogen source. Traditional supplements comprising Tifton hay, wheat bran, soybean meal, and urea served as controls. Kinetic organic matter degradation parameters exceeded 60%. Dry matter degradability was similar across all urea levels at six hours but diverged over time, with the 3% urea treatment showing lower degradability at 48 and 96 h. Organic matter degradability varied throughout incubation, with the 2% urea treatment performing best. Overall, these findings suggest that silage made from native Miúda forage cactus combined with Tifton hay and up to 2% urea can serve as an effective alternative roughage to meet the nutritional requirements of ruminants, particularly during periods of feed scarcity in arid environments.