Opuntia spp. as Alternative Fodder for Sustainable Livestock Production

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Livestock production is a significant subsector of agriculture around the world and can be adversely affected by the scarcity of good quality green forage. Among the main constraints on green forage production are erratic rainfall, water scarcity, and natural disasters due to climate change. Due to its adaptability to extreme conditions, cactus is a valuable fodder alternative for arid and semiarid regions of the world, where water represents a limiting factor for animal production. This review focuses on the Opuntia genus, and an overview of several studies on its use in livestock is presented. ABSTRACT: 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. Cactaceae have adaptive characteristics that ensure their development progress under drought conditions. The present review provides information on the nutritive value of Opuntia in animal fodder production, its effects on animal performance, and the quality of the animal-derived products. In conclusion, the use of Opuntia as innovative alternative feed would render animal production systems more sustainable.