The economic potentialities of cactus pear as food and forage crop for sustainable agriculture in the arid and semi-arid regions: A review

Abstract

The adaptation of cactus pear to arid environments and its importance in animal and human feed make the species largely used in the arid and semi-arid regions. The economic potentialities of cactus pear as food and forage crop and its production in animal and human feed are higher. Cactus pear products and by-products and the production sustainability of cactus pear in the arid and semi-arid areas open a great number of opportunities and hopes to rural populations of these regions. These products and by-products constitute a source of income for low income of rural populations. The nutritional value of cactus pear products and their content in minerals and vitamins make cactus pear fruits and cladodes important in the animal and human feed in the arid and semi-arid areas. Medicinal and cosmetic by-products are also obtained from cactus pear products. They increase the economic income of the farmers and rural populations. Cactus pear is also an important forage for livestock in the arid and semi-arid regions thanks to its high biomass production and palatability. Cactus pear pads are consumed by all the types of livestock. They are rich in water and carbohydrates and their digestibility is high, but their content in crude proteins is low. Cactus pear could be a supplement for low quality fodder such as straw, and the combination of the two elements could be an alternative fodder for the animals of the arid and semi-arid regions.