Cactus Cladodes Research Articles

Plant-Based Flocculants as Sustainable Conditioners for Enhanced Sewage Sludge Dewatering

With the aim to establish clean and sustainable sludge treatment, green conditioning using natural flocculants has recently gained a growing interest. In this study, a variety of plant materials, namely Moringa (Moringa oleifera) seeds, Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, Potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels, Aloe (Aloe vera) leaves, Cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladodes, and Phragmites (Phragmites australis) stems, were evaluated for their potential bioflocculant activity in conditioning sewage sludge. They were thoroughly characterized to determine their active flocculating compounds. Sludge dewaterability was evaluated by assessing various sludge parameters, including specific resistance to filtration (SRF), dryness of filtration cake (DC), and total suspended solid removal (TSS) from sludge filtrate. The collected results from various physicochemical characterizations of plant materials suggest that the main flocculating agents are carbohydrates in Cactus and Fenugreek and proteins in Moringa, Potato, and Phragmites. Additionally, all tested plant-based flocculants demonstrated effective dewatering performance. Interestingly, compared to the chemical flocculant polyaluminum chloride, Moringa and Cactus showed superior conditioning effects, yielding the lowest SRF values and the highest DC. As a result, the use of these natural flocculants improved sewage sludge filterability, leading to a significant removal of total suspended solids from the filtrate. The conditioning properties of Moringa and Cactus can be attributed to their high protein and sugar content, which facilitates the effective separation of bound water from solids through charge neutralization and bridging mechanisms. Thus, green conditioning using plant-based flocculants, particularly Moringa and Cactus materials, presents a promising and eco-friendly approach to enhance sewage sludge dewatering for safer disposal and valorization.

Effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on feed intake, digestibility, growth and carcass characteristics of goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes, Acacia saligna, wheat bran and cotton seed cake on growth, digestibility, intake and carcass characteristics of goats. A randomized complete block design was used in the experiment with 24 yearling central highland goats with an initial body weight of 15.6 - 16.1kg. The same amount of grass hay (GH) + 150 gDM/head/day wheat bran (WB) was given to all animals. The experimental diets consisted of 80 cotton seed cake (CSC) as treatment 1 (T1), 45CSC +160 cactus cladodes (CC) as T2, 45CSC+ 80 Acacia saligna (AS) as T3, and 45CSC+80CC+40AS as T4 (gram dry matter: DM, per day per goat), Data were gathered on the goats' growth, digestibility, intake, and carcass of major organs, edible and nonedible organs. The consumption of dry matter and organic matter was higher in goats fed T2 and T4 than in the T1 group. The DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were higher in T4 and T3 goats when compared to T2 goats. Goats fed on T4 had higher hot carcass weight and dressing percentage on slaughter body weight basis than T2, T3, and T1 supplemented goats. Generally, the experimental diets improved goats’ performance in descending order (T4 > T3 >T1 >T2). Supplementation of T4 (replacement of 35 g DM of cotton seed cake per day by 40g of Acacia saligna and 80g of cactus cladodes on dry matter bases) could be recommended to improve goat performance.

Characterization of Spreadable Goat Cheese from Animals Fed with Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) Cladodes as a Productive Alternative in Arid and Semiarid Areas

Characterization of Spreadable Goat Cheese from Animals Fed with Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) Cladodes as a Productive Alternative in Arid and Semiarid Areas

Green Flocculants from Cactus Cladodes: Physicochemical Characterization and Assessment of Their Flocculating Activity for Crystal Violet Dye Removal

Green Flocculants from Cactus Cladodes: Physicochemical Characterization and Assessment of Their Flocculating Activity for Crystal Violet Dye Removal

Full-fat corn germ improves the performance and milk fat yield of Girolando cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes as forage sources.

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient use in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin Square and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased fat-corrected milk yield by 2.2kg/day and the synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk by 94.4, 60.0, and 201.10g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake by 1.01kg/day, with the intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients following the same pattern. Conversely, the substitution of corn for full-fat corn germ linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the total non-fiber carbohydrate intake from 5.79 to 4.40kg/d. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Cows fed corn germ excreted less (p < 0.05) urea-N in milk and urine N. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance the milk production efficiency of crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.

Experimental evaluation of biogas production from anaerobic co-digestion of cactus cladodes, cow dung, and goat manure

Experimental evaluation of biogas production from anaerobic co-digestion of cactus cladodes, cow dung, and goat manure

Cactus Cladodes and Sugarcane Bagasse Can Partially Replace Earless Corn Silage in Diets of Lactating Dairy Cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing earless corn silage (ECS) with cactus cladodes (CC; Opuntia spp.) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) on nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk yield (MY), and composition of lactating dairy cows. Ten Holstein cows, weighing 571 ± 97.0 kg and producing 23.0 ± 4.4 kg of milk per day, were assigned to two contemporaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares. Treatments consisted of five levels of ECS replacement with CC plus SB (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The results showed a linear increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p &lt; 0.05) (15.98 and 18.73 kg/day) and a quadratic increase (p &lt; 0.05) in crude protein and energy intake (2.97 kg/day and 27.52 Mcal/day at 95.4 and 88.6% substitution, respectively). Apparent DM digestibility increased (p &lt; 0.05), but fiber digestibility decreased linearly (p &lt; 0.05). Treatments had a quadratic effect (p &lt; 0.05) on MY and fat-corrected MY (24.17 kg/day and 21.9 kg/day at 63.9% and 38.6% CC plus SB, respectively). Milk fat (3.26 and 2.35%) and total solids content decreased linearly (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the percentages of protein, lactose, and nonfat solids increased (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the CC–SB diets linearly reduced the time spent on feeding and rumination and total chewing time. For Holstein cows fed common semiarid diets, milk production can be maximized by replacing 38.6% of ECS with CC plus SB.

Macromineral status, water balance and kidney function of goats fed two cactus cladodes species

The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of diets with two cactus cladodes species on macrominerals metabolism, water balance, and kidney function markers of feedlot goats. Thirty-six castrated male undefined breed goats (19.0 ± 2.81kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, in three dietary treatments: diet containing Tifton-85 hay as exclusive roughage (control), diet with partial replacement (75%) of Tifton-85 hay by Miúda cactus cladodes (Nopalea) or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana cactus cladodes (OEM) (Opuntia), with twelve replicates per treatment. The feedlot lasted 100 days. Dietary and total Ca and Mg intakes were higher (P = 0.001) in goats fed cactus cladodes, regardless of species. The faeces of animals fed the control diet had twice (P = 0.049) as much K compared to the diet containing OEM cactus cladodes. Only OEM cactus cladodes caused increase (P = 0.001) in urinary Ca concentration, in relation to animals fed control diet. Goats fed cactus cladodes showed, on average, 45.8% more (P = 0.001) serum Mg. Diets containing cactus cladodes induced lower (P = 0.001) voluntary water intake and higher (P = 0.001) body water retention. The values of creatinine (P = 0.006) and total protein (P = 0.008) in the urine were affected by diets. For the given duration of the experiment, the partial replacement (75%) of Tifton-85 hay by cactus cladodes in diets for goats is recommended because it improves intake of macrominerals calcium and magnesium, and increase body water retention, without impairing kidney function.

Protective effect of Opuntia ficus indica cladode extract against gamma radiation-induced DNA strand breaks and base damage

Radiation therapy-related toxicity is becoming increasingly important as cancer treatment outcomes improve. It is common for radiation to damage cancer cells and normal cells by hydrolyzing H2O which leading to free radicals production. Response transcription factors and signal transduction pathways are activated, resulting in DNA damage. Natural antioxidants have attracted a lot of attention. My study aimed to assess the effectiveness of cactus cladode extract (CCE) in protecting DNA plasmids against γ-radiation. The samples were irradiated with 137Cs γ-rays at different doses in the absence or presence of CCE. Agarose gel electrophoresis analysis shows that the aqueous CCE prevents radiation-induced DNA damage. Indeed, the yields of SSB and DSBs are (78 ± 3) x10−4/Gy/plasmid and (0.75 ± 0.09) x 10−4/Gy/plasmid, respectively. However, the greatest fits for the yields for SSB and DSB forming, in the presence of CCE1 (0.5 μg), are (44 ± 2) x10−4/Gy/plasmid and (0.55 ± 0.05) x 10−4/Gy/plasmid, respectively. Despite, the yields for SSB and DSB formation in the presence of CCE2 (1 μg), are (31 ± 2) x10−4/Gy/plasmid and (0.48 ± 0.09) x 10−4/Gy/plasmid, respectively. While, the yields for SSB and DSB formation, in the presence of CCE3 (1.5 μg), are (22 ± 2) x10−4/Gy/plasmid and (0.4 ± 0.02) x 10−4/Gy/plasmid, respectively. Moreover, the CCE efficiently inhibit DNA base damage. A decrease of 70%, 83%, and 87% of the Nth-sensitive sites was found when the sample was irradiated with CCE1, CCE2, and CCE3, respectively. Moreover, we calculated a decrease of 66%, 79%, and 82% of the Fpg-sensitive sites when the sample was irradiated with CCE1, CCE2, and CCE3, respectively. In conclusion, my results indicate that the CCE is a potent radioprotector and hydroxyl radical scavenger; it efficiently inhibits DNA SSBs, DSBs and base damage. It suggests that this extract may be able to protect against genotoxicity, apoptosis, and nephrotoxicity.

Nutrients intake, milk production, and production costs of dairy goats fed with high proportions of cactus cladodes genotypes Opuntia and Nopalea in association with different forage sources

This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient intake, milk production, and production costs of dairy goats fed diets containing the rations with cactus cladodes (Opuntia stricta or Nopalea cochenillifera) associated with silage (Sorghum bicolor) or Tifton hay (Cynodon spp). Twelve pluriparous Saanen and Anglo Nubiana goats (42.25 ± 5.48 kg) at eight weeks of lactation were used. Treatments lasted 60 days, consisting of four periods of 15 days, distributed in three Latin square (4×4) with four diets. The treatments represented by diets with different associated feed: SSOP (Sorghum Silage + Opuntia); THOP (Tifton hay + Opuntia); SSNO (Sorghum Silage + Nopalea); and THNO (Tifton hay + Nopalea), in addition to concentrate in all diets. There were differences (p &lt; 0.05) for the intakes of DM, OM, with higher values observed for goats fed the diets THNO, THOP, and SSNO, and for CP, NDF and ADF were higher for THNO and SSNO diets. Similar behavior occurred for voluntary and total water intake. The milk production and feed efficiency did not differ (p &gt; 0.05). Costs with food, milk revenue, and gross revenue were not influenced by diets (p &gt; 0.05). The Opuntia or Nopalea cactus cladodes genotypes associated with sorghum silage or tifton hay can be used to feed dairy goats in the semiarid region.

Cactus cladodes for dairy goats: what is the best fiber source?

This study evaluated the effect of different fiber sources supplied with cactus cladodes in diets on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield, and composition of dairy goats. The fiber sources were corn silage, sorghum silage, Digitaria pentzii Stent. hay, and sugarcane bagasse. Twelve Saanen goats with an average weight of 48.9 ± 7.3 kg and average production of 2.8 ± 0.7 kg of milk/day were assigned in three simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares (four animals, four treatments, and four experimental periods). There was no difference between the fiber sources for intake (P > 0.05) of dry matter (2.58 kg/day), organic matter (2.30 kg/day), crude protein (0.385 kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (0.895 kg/day), non-fibrous carbohydrates (0.858 kg/day), and metabolizable energy (5.66 Mcal/day). Also, the fiber sources did not influence dry matter and nutrient digestibility (P > 0.05). The association of cactus cladodes with silages, hay, and sugarcane bagasse did not change milk production, milk production corrected for 3.5% of fat and corrected for energy (2.78; 2.53 and 2,55 kg/day, respectively), in addition to milk composition (P > 0.05). No differences were observed in ingestive behavior (P > 0.05). Any fiber sources evaluated are recommended.

Microwave-assisted one-pot preparation of magnetic cactus-derived hydrochar for efficient removal of lead(Ⅱ) and phenol from water: Performance and mechanism exploration

A novel magnetic hydrochar derived from cactus cladode (MW-MHC) was successfully synthesized through one-pot microwave-assisted process for efficiently removing lead(Pb)(Ⅱ) and phenol. From batch adsorption experiments, MW-MHC possessed the highest uptake amounts for Pb(Ⅱ) and phenol of 139.34 and 175.32 mg/g within 20 and 60 min, respectively. Moreover, the removal of Pb(Ⅱ) and phenol by MW-MHC remained essentially stable under the interference of different co-existing cations, presenting the excellent adaptability of MW-MHC. After three cycles of regeneration experiments, MW-MHC still had preferable adsorption performance and could be easily recycled, indicating its excellent reusability. Significantly, the uptake mechanisms of Pb(Ⅱ) on MW-MHC were regarded as chemical complexation, pore filling, precipitation, and electrostatic attraction. Meanwhile, the phenol uptake might be dominated by π-π interaction and hydrogen bonding. The above consequences revealed that MW-MHC with high removal performance was a promising adsorbent for remediating wastewater containing heavy metals and organics.

The Impact of Substituting Corn Silage with Cactus Cladodes Silage on Growth Performance and Digestibility in Sheep Rations

The Impact of Substituting Corn Silage with Cactus Cladodes Silage on Growth Performance and Digestibility in Sheep Rations

Effect of cactus species in the diets of dairy goats on feed efficiency, milk yield, and milk and cheese composition

This study evaluated the effect of cactus species in dairy goats’ diets on feed efficiency, milk yield, and milk and cheese composition. Ten Saanen dairy goats averaging 50.0 ± 10.1 kg of body weight and 3.5 kg/day of milk were randomly assigned to treatments in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design, with 14 days for diet adaptation and five days for sample collection. The experimental diets included: control (500 g/kg of Tifton-85 hay + 500 g/kg concentrate); NC (150 g/kg of hay + 350 g/kg of Nopalea cochenillifera + 500 g/kg concentrate); NC:OS (150 g/kg of hay + 235 g/kg Nopalea cochenillifera + 115 g/kg Opuntia stricta + 500 g/kg concentrate); OS:NC (150 g/kg hay + 235 g/kg Opuntia stricta + 115 g/kg Nopalea cochenillifera + 500 g/kg concentrate); and OS (150 g/kg hay + 350 g/kg Opuntia stricta + 500 g/kg concentrate). All the treatments contained 500 g/kg of concentrate. Including cactus cladodes increased (P < 0.05) the intake and digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates and reduced (P < 0.05) the intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. Furthermore, it increased (P < 0.05) milk yield despite the absence of a difference in dry matter intake. The lowest (P < 0.05) protein and total solids concentrations were observed in the OS treatment milk. The levels of C18:1t10 and CLA in milk were similar (P > 0.05) in the control and NC diets but lower (P < 0.05) for the OS diet. Cactus cladodes increased (P < 0.05) the contents of medium-chain fatty acids (FA) and reduced (P < 0.05) the long-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids in milk. Diets with cactus cladodes increased (P < 0.05) the protein content and pH of the cheese. The cactus cladodes inclusion in the diets of lactating goats, in the proportions studied, increases milk yield and improves the composition and sensory attributes of "coalho" cheese

Spineless cactus cladode is a viable replacement to barley and maize grains in the feed rations of dromedary camel calves.

No studies determined the use of spineless cactus cladodes in camel diets. The effect of replacing the main energy source in camel diets with fresh spineless cactus cladodes on growth performance was determined. Furthermore, the ability of morphology to predict cladodes yield was determined. A prediction model of spineless cactus cladode weight based on cladode volume was developed. Three cladodes per plants were randomly selected from 100 plants. Weight and volume were then recorded for each cladode. Sixteen male camel calves (196±18.2kg live weight and 430±5.55 days of age) were allotted to treatments, control (conventional camel fattening diet based on cotton seed hulls, cereal grains and agro-industrial by-products) or cactus (barley and maize grains in the control diet were replaced totally by fresh cactus cladode on dry matter basis). The study contained a 100-days growth trial and a 21-day digestibility trial (15 days of adaptation and 7 days of faeces collection). Blood samples were collected monthly from each animal. Cactus cladode volume predicted the dry weight with a high accuracy (prediction error=3.5%). Nutrient intake and nutrient digestibility did not significantly differ among the dietary treatments (p>0.05). The treatment significantly decreased feed conversion ratio by 1.52 points (p<0.05). All blood parameters were within the normal range of dromedary camels. Spineless cactus cladode is a potential replacement to the conventional energy sources in dromedary camel diets.

Analysis of drought coping strategies in northern Ethiopian highlands

One of the most detrimental concerns brought on by a changing climate that annually affects many people's lives is drought. Proactive and reactive drought coping and adapting mechanisms enable farmers to be resilient against climate–induced drought and improve the drylands' current disaster preparedness and early warning systems. The aim of this study was to assess proactive and reactive farmers' drought coping strategies at household level in Raya Valley in southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Agro–climatological based 246 households were sampled from the lowlands, midlands and highlands of the study area. The most effective drought coping mechanisms were discovered using a multinomial logit model. The study area had endured mild to extremely severe drought in the last three decades. The association between the various drought severity and household heads were significant (chi2 = 9.861, df = 3, p < 0.05). Proactive drought coping measures included collecting and storing pasture, conserving soil and water, weather prediction information to adjust saving and farming practices. Livestock feeding with roasted cactus cladode, small business loans, livestock selling, productive safety–net program, and food consumption reduction were the major reactive drought coping strategies. The proactive and reactive drought coping strategies identified in this study should be used to improve the existing disaster preparedness and early warning systems in the face of climate and weather extreme related impacts of climate variability and change.

Supplementation of feedlot lambs with cactus cladodes as strategy to improve testicular function

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing cactus cladodes genotypes on plasma testosterone levels, testicular histopathological and histomorphometric parameters, and oxidative stress markers in lambs. Thirty-six male, intact Santa Inês lambs (22.0 ± 2.9 kg initial body weight), were to feedlot for 86 days. A completely randomized design was used with three dietary treatments (control diet with Tifton-85 hay as the only roughage; and two more diets with Miúda or OEM cactus cladodes partially replacing hay) and twelve replicates. There was no influence of the diets on the testicular weight (P = 0.414) and gonadosomatic index (P = 0.384) of lambs. The testosterone serum concentrations were almost twice as higher in lambs fed Miúda cactus cladodes compared to control treatment. There was greater incidence and severity of lesions in the testicular parenchyma of animals that received control diet: loosening of germ cell epithelium, germ cell desquamation and vacuolization of Sertoli cells. The seminiferous tubule diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium were higher in lambs fed OEM cactus cladodes (P = 0.003). The tubular volume and Leydig cells volume were higher in animals fed with cactus cladodes (P < 0.05). The levels of malondialdehyde were higher in the lambs of control group compared to OEM group (P = 0.039) and the testicular concentration of nitric oxide was higher in control group (P = 0.009). The diet containing OEM cactus cladodes increased the levels of superoxide dismutase. Our results indicate that diets containing cactus cladodes promote antioxidant protection to the testicular parenchyma and preserve the spermatogenic process of lambs.

Full-fat corn germ in diets for dairy cows as an alternative to ground corn.

The experiments reported in this research paper address the effects of replacing ground corn (GC) with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen utilization efficiency, performance, and predicted methane production in dairy cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane. We hypothesized that the inclusion of FFCG in the diet would not alter the performance of lactating cows but would reduce the predicted methane production in vivo. Ten multiparous Holstein cows at 90 ± 10 d of lactation and yielding 24.2 ± 3.5 kg milk/d were assigned to dietary treatments consisting of different levels of replacement of GC by FFCG (0; 25; 50; 75 and 100% of diet dry matter) in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Methane production was predicted using an automated gas in vitro production system. Except for ether extract intake, which increased, the intake of all nutrients decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber reduced, whereas the digestibility of ether extract increased linearly with FFCG. There were no changes in the digestibility of crude protein. The nitrogen intake and daily excretion in urine and feces decreased, while nitrogen use efficiency increased linearly. There was no significant effect of diets on nitrogen balance or microbial protein synthesis and efficiency. The yield of protein, lactose and total solids in milk showed a quadratic behavior. On the other hand, milk fat yield and energy-corrected milk yield decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. No effect on pH or ammonia nitrogen was observed. The production of methane (CH4, g/kg DM) and total CH4 (g/d), and CH4 intensity decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. In conclusion, FFCG has been shown to be an effective source of fat to reduce methane production in dairy cows, partially supporting our initial hypothesis. However, as it decreases milk fat production, it is not recommended to replace more than 50% of GC by FFCG for lactating cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane.

Green solid-liquid extraction of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladode dietary fibers. I- optimization, pilot-scale production, and characterization

In this research work, an optimization of an environment friendly extraction method of cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladode dietary fibers was conducted. For this purpose, a central composite experimental design with two factors (temperature and time) and five levels was established. The basic objective of this optimization was to maximize fiber yield using hot water as an extraction eco-solvent. The optimum extraction time (330 min) and temperature (100 °C) were determined with a constant medium agitation rate. Additionally, this study also aimed at establishing the validation of the statistical model to carry out the extrapolation of the extraction process at the pilot scale. The fibers extracted at the pilot scale showed yields (45.2 ± 0.01%) in agreement with those obtained through the optimization and validation lab-scale steps (44.97 ± 0.02). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were conducted to investigate the structure and microstructure of pilot scale-produced fibers. FTIR spectrum and XRD pattern were typical to lignocellulosic fibers results. Sharp and thin peaks characteristic of cellulose were detected. Pure and crystallized phases were recorded with a 45% crystallinity index. SEM analysis presented elongated and organized cells with a uniform structure comparable to cellulosic fibers microstructure.

Effect of diets containing cactus cladodes on physical and histomorphometric parameters, and bone mineral content of feedlot lambs and goats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the parcial substitution of Tifton hay by cactus cladodes on macrominerals intake, physical and histomorphometric characteristics, and bone mineral content of lambs and goats in feedlot. Two parallel studies, with the same dietary treatments, were performed: the first one (study 1) lasted 86 days, and thirty-six Santa Inês lambs, uncastrated males, with an average initial body weight (BW) of 22.0 ± 2.9 kg were used; in second study (study 2), lasting 100 days, thirty-six crossbred goats, castrated males, with an average initial BW of 19.0 ± 2.8 kg were used. In both studies, the animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and twelve replicates. Experimental diets consisted of in a diet containing Tifton hay as exclusive roughage (control) and two more diets in which the hay was partially (75%) replaced by Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes. At the end of the feedlot periods, lambs and goats were slaughtered and the 13th rib of carcass of each animal (both antimeres) was collected for physical and histological analysis, and macromineral dosage. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between physical properties of the ribs of lambs and goats fed with cactus cladodes varieties, compared to the control group. Cactus cladodes-based diets increased the intake of Ca (P = 0.001), and Mg (P = 0.001) by lambs and goats, and decreased the Na intake by lambs (P = 0.001). Lambs fed with cactus cladodes-based diets tended to deposit less Ca (g/kg ash; P = 0.061) in the bone tissue, and the Mg content was higher (P = 0.002). In addition, Miúda cactus cladodes promotes lower intake (P = 0.014) and lower bone concentration (P = 0.024) of P, compared to the control diet. In goats, the diet containing Miúda cactus cladodes decreased P, Na and K intakes (P < 0.05). Goats fed with cactus cladodes-based diets tended to deposit less Ca (g/kg DM; P = 0.063) in the bone tissue. Regardless of variety, cactus cladodes changed the number of osteocytes and Havers canals, and bone matrix thickness of small ruminants. In conclusion, the partial substitution (75%) of Tifton hay by cactus cladodes in lambs and goats diets is capable to increase the macrominerals intake and, consequently, improve bone Mg deposition in lambs, without altering the physical properties of the ribs of both species. However, cactus cladodes-based diets cause changes in bone histomorphological parameters.