Opuntia-based Ruminant Feeding Systems in Mexico

In Mexico, the arid and semi-arid regions occupy around 50% of the total area. One of the plant resources with a wide range of distribution and uses by man and animals is nopal (Opuntia). The use of nopal as forage in Mexico depends mostly on the utilization of wild nopal communities and less on the cultivated forage, fruit or vegetable plantations. The Opuntia species utilized are numerous and they are used to feed cattle (milk and meat), goats (meat and milk), sheep (meat and wool), horses (transportation and draft), and wildlife. The volumes fed to cattle are around 30-40 kg per day and to goats and sheep around 6-8 kg. The utilization of the nopal is carried out by large, medium and small rangeland ranches, and in medium and small stables. The methods used by the farmers are reviewed. The comparative advantages of nopal are highlighted and recommendations are given for further research and extension programmes.