Prickly Pear Cladodes Research Articles

In vivo anti-Salmonella properties of aqueous extract of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) cladode, hepatological and toxicological evaluation.

The present study aimed to evaluate antidiarrheal potential of prickly pear cladode and its hepatoprotective role in different groups of diarrhea-induced mice. Mice received cefixime (4 mg/kg of bw) and different concentrations of aqueous cladode extract (250 mg/kg of bw, 500 mg/kg of bw and 1000 mg/kg of bw). Feces Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 was used to assess antidiarrheal potential and hematological, biochemical parameters, and histopathological analyses were carried out for 17 days. The results showed that administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 in mice produced liver injuries with histological damage, whereas 1000 mg/kg of bw cladode extract reduced the Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 load of feces earlier as compared to the other groups during 17 days. Hematological parameters, like red blood cells (RBCs) (6.19 ± 1.85 × 106/mm3) and hemoglobin (Hb) (10.06 ± 2.03 g/dL), of negative control group decreased, while white blood cells (WBCs) (13.46 × 106/mm3) increased from reference values. In lipid profile, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (9.0 ± 2.41 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (6.07 ± 2.45 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (TC) (35.22 ± 8.29 mg/dL) of negative control group decreased, while triglycerides (TG) (168.35 ± 71.75 mg/dL) increased from reference values. Alanine transferase (ALT) (60.30 ± 20.33 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (359.9 ± 100.05 IU/L) and aspartate transferase (AST) (168.77 ± 66.61 IU/L) of negative control group increased from reference values. Urea (27.36 ± 10.54 mmol/L) and creatinine (35.29 ± 12.15 mmol/L) of the negative control group increased. Cefixime also ameliorated injuries due to the administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430. Conclusively, these findings indicated that pure aqueous extract of cladode showed more promising results regarding antidiarrheal potential. Hence, cladode might be used in food and supplement formulations as a functional ingredient.

Prickly Pear Cladodes as an Alternative Source of Water in Small- and Medium-Scale Yellow Mealworm Rearing

New solutions are compulsorily needed to reconcile the enormous and ever-growing request for protein for human nutrition and, at the same time, reduce conventional meat production. This epochal challenge can find a valuable aid to a winning solution in insect rearing. The use of insects as feed and food, far from being a definitive solution to global food shortages, can offer new protein sources and perfectly fit circular economy precepts, yet more so when insects feed on by-products from the agri-food industry. In this scenario, Tenebrio molitor (TM) is a concrete alternative. Therefore, making its rearing more sustainable is a prime objective. In this paper, we evaluated the possibility of replacing usual plant sources of wet supplementation used in TM rearing with sustainable alternatives, including the cladodes of prickly pear (Opuntias ficus indica, OFI), to reduce the frequency of administration, thus minimizing related labor costs. The alternatives were tested for water content, dehydration, and shelf life to select the best-performing ones. On the selected matrices, we evaluated the preference of the larvae and their palatability because a matrix may be convenient and sustainable but not appreciated by consumers. The results showed that OFI cladodes have high moisture and a long shelf life and are appreciated by the larvae that prefer them to other matrices. Thus, OFI can replace the conventional wet source in TM rearing, at least in areas where this cactus grows wild and is not difficult to obtain.

Description and antioxidant capacity of prickly pear cladodes at different stages of development

Semi-arid regions are a source of several high nutritional plant species yet underexplored. The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) provides a secure source of nutrients and antioxidants for human consumption. This study aimed to describe and assess the antioxidant capacity of prickly pear cladodes in different development stages. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme with six replications: two cultivars (Gigante and Redonda) and four development stages (1 – cladodes of 4.0 to 8.0 cm; 2 – 8.01 to 12.0 cm; 3 – 12.01 to 16.0; and 4 – 16.01 to 20.0 cm). Diameter, fresh mass, and yield increased significantly according to the cladode stages, especially in the Redonda cultivar, while protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents decreased with advanced stages on both cultivars. The highest chlorophylls, carotenoids, and flavonoid contents were obtained at the third and fourth stages in the Gigante cultivar. The highest total phenols were obtained at the first and second stages also in the Gigante cultivar. Ascorbic acid content increased according to the stages in both cultivars, and antioxidant capacity was higher in dry mass when compared to fresh mass. Prickly pears cladodes are suitable for the human diet at any stage of development. However, due to the concentrations of compounds with antioxidant properties, the third and fourth stages are recommended for fresh consumption.

Ants associated to prickly pear cactus crop in Texcoco, State of Mexico

In Mexico, center of domestication of prickly pear cactus species (also called “nopales”) few studies exist on insects associated with this crop. The studies are scantier on ants, since the majority are not considered to be pest. For this motive, the population dynamics of the ants was studied in experimental prickly pear crop in the installation of Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico. The sample was fortnightly performed from February 2013 to March 2014. Ants were gathered with pitfall traps and arboreal traps, all of them with three baits and others without bait. Also recorded raiding, the nests in crop and inside to the cladodes. We collected a total of 10,953 individuals (74 % on ground and 26% on prickly pear cladodes), and seven species were determined: Hypoponera opacior (Forel), Neivamyrmex nigrescens (Cresson), Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith), Linepithema humile (Mayr), Camponotus atriceps (Smith), Pheidole obtusospinosa Forel and Monomorium minimum (Buckley). The last four were more abundant and frequent. We discuss the presence and nesting of ants in crop and their association with other insects of prickly pear crop.

Phytochemical profiling, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of hydroethanolic extracts of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) fruit and pulp.

Phenolic compounds in prickly pear [Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.] are known to contribute to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the prickly pear. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidants and in vitro antimicrobial potential in the hydroethanolic extracts of different parts (fruit, cladode, and pulp) of prickly pear. Different polyphenolic compounds were analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results indicated that cladode possessed a higher quantity of phenolics compared with that observed in fruit and pulp. The most important phenolic compound in high quantity was gallic acid (66.19 μg/g) in cladode. The 100% aqueous extract of cladode exhibited the highest antioxidant (92%) and antimicrobial activities against Salmonella typhi (3.40 mg/ml), Helicobacter pylori (1.37 mg/ml), Escherichia coli (1.41 mg/ml), and Staphylococcus aureus (1.41 mg/ml). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that antioxidant activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) responses had a significant negative correlation with each other. Overall, the current results provided basic data for choosing prickly pear cladode with high antioxidant capacity for the development and consumption of antioxidant-based alternative medicines and value addition of formulated foods.

Comparative effect of a nutraceutical compound based on a flavonoid complex from bergamot on plasma lipids, glucose metabolism, and liver enzymes: a 3-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

Bergamot and opuntia (prickly pear cladodes) standardized extracts have been demonstrated to have positive metabolic effects in preclinical and clinical models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effect of a combined nutraceutical containing 150 mg of Opuntia ficus Indica extract, 400 mg of plant sterols, 12.5 mg of thiamine, and 200 mg of Brumex® a phytocomplex from bergamot fruit (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, fructus) standardized 40% in total flavonoids and min 5% in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-flavanones. Thus, we carried out a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 75 hypercholesterolaemic subjects randomized to take the active compound (2 tablets per day), placebo (2 tablets per day), or both (1 per product per day). After 12 weeks of treatment with 1 tablet per day, we observed a significant reduction of a number of metabolic parameters: total cholesterol (TC) (-14.6%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (-19.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLC) (-22.1%), triglycerides (TG) (-13.1%), Apolipoprotein B (-16%) (all p < 0.05 both versus baseline and versus placebo), fasting plasma glucose (-5.1%), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (-7.8%), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (-7.3%), and γ-glutamyl transferase (-34.4%) (all p < 0.05 versus baseline). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased 6.9% by the use of 1 tablet per day (p < 0.05 versus baseline). All parameters were reduced to the same extent when taking the full dose (2 tablets), beyond TG. the tested nutraceutical compound based on a flavonoid complex from bergamot and opuntia showed a short-term positive impact on plasma lipids, fasting plasma glucose, and liver enzyme in overall healthy subjects affected by hypercholesterolaemia with low cardiovascular risk.

Valorizing prickly pear cladodes via methane-arrested anaerobic digestion for carboxylic acid production.

To address climate change, liquid biofuels are an essential alternative to fossil fuels, especially for transportation. The carboxylate platform uses methane-arrested anaerobic digestion (MAAD) to ferment biomass to carboxylic acids, which can be chemically converted to liquid fuels via the carboxylate platform. Most biomass sources require expensive pretreatments to remove lignin; however, prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes have low lignin content and therefore do not require pretreatment. Furthermore, this sugar-rich feedstock is readily digested to high concentrations of carboxylic acids. At various substrate concentrations, batch MAAD of prickly pear cladodes yielded primarily acetic, butyric, and caproic acids. From these batch data, continuum particle distribution modeling (CPDM) simulated four-stage countercurrent digestion. At a non-acid volatile solid (NAVS) concentration of 100 g/Lliq , CPDM predicts a high total acid concentration of 93 g/L and conversion of 0.93 g NAVSdigested /NAVSfed at a volatile solid loading rate of 6g/(Lliq ·d) and liquid retention time of 35 days. Without chemical pretreatment, co-digestion, or in situ product removal, prickly pear produced high yields, biomass conversion, product concentration, and selectivity compared to previously studied lignocellulosic feedstocks.

Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes as a Functional Ingredient for Hyperglycemia Management: A Brief Narrative Review.

The worldwide prevalence of obesity is increasing along with its comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). From a pathophysiological perspective, T2DM arises as a consequence of insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, which together induce chronic hyperglycemia. The pharmacological treatment of T2DM specifically focuses on its management, rather than remission, with a lack of pharmacological agents to prevent the onset of the disease. Considering the role of unhealthy dietary patterns on the development of T2DM, identifying novel food ingredients and bioactive substances may provide new avenues by which to address the T2DM epidemic. In this brief review, we have summarized the latest findings on the consumption of the prickly pear (PP; Opuntia spp.) cladode as a potential nutritional tool for the management of hyperglycemia. The consumption of prickly pear cladodes was reported to exert hypoglycemic effects, making it a potential cost-effective nutritional intervention for the management of T2DM. Several studies have demonstrated that the consumption of prickly pear cladodes and the related products reduced post-prandial glucose levels. The cladodes’ high fiber content may be implicated in improving glycemic control, by affecting glucose absorption and effectively slowing its release into the blood circulation. Given these potential hypoglycemic effects, prickly pear cladodes may represent a potential functional food ingredient to improve glycemic control and counter the negative metabolic effects of the modern Western diet. Nonetheless, in consideration of the lack of evidence on the chronic effects of the prickly pear cladode, future research aimed at evaluating its long-term effects on glycemic control is warranted.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and/or organic amendment enhance the tolerance of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) under drought stress

Drought stress is one of the most serious constraints that prevents plants from attaining their full potential, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Among notable drought-tolerant plants, prickly pear stands as a plant capable of tolerating daring water stress conditions, thanks to its water storage and CO2 uptake capabilities. However, its full potential remains constrained under drought stress. The use of biostimulants such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost (Vc) can help the plant to mitigate drought. The present study provides insights into the effects of an AMF, a vermicompost at a dose of 5%, and their combination on growth, and biochemical responses of prickly pear cladodes under severe water stress (SWD), moderately watered (MD), and well-watered (WW) treatments (15, 30 and 50% of field capacity (FC), respectively). AMF + Vc treatment showed the highest values of AMF colonization and growth parameters under drought stress. The application of these biostimulants increased physiological and biochemical parameters, under water deficit, and led to a decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), notably on plants treated with AMF + Vc. Overall, the results pointed out the role of AMF and vermicompost as strategic applicable tools in better mitigation of drought stress in the prickly pear.

Assessment of technological and nutritional qualities of the powder of prickly pear cladodes at four ages of growth

Rich in bioactive and nutritional phytochemicals, the cladode is an important part of prickly pear plant (cactus). Its processing into powder is a way of adding value allowing its use as a food, dietary supplement and cosmetic ingredient. This work aims to assess the suitability for processing into powder of prickly pear cladodes at four ages of growth and to assess technological and nutritional qualities of the obtained powders. The cladodes belonging to the Opuntia ficus-indica species, aged less than one year, one year, from 1.5 to 2 years and from 3 to 3.5 years, were harvested in Skhour Rhamna (Centre of Morocco). The quality of the fresh cladodes and the cladodes powder was evaluated by studying powder yield, humidity, water absorption index (WAI), water activity (aw), sorption curves, colour, total titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, cellulose and ash contents. This work has highlighted the suitability of the cladodes of different ages for processing into powder. The resulted powders were characterized by different and interesting characteristics in terms of technological and nutritional qualities allowing their orientation towards different uses. WAI values, which increased with age, provided information on different rheological properties of powders when using as an ingredient in liquid or semi-solid formulations and on different saturation effects when using in food preparations. Moreover, aw values, lower than 0.29, can ensure a good biochemical and microbial stability. The sorption behaviors of cladodes powder, almost similar for the four studied ages, are moderately hygroscopic. The appreciation of the colour using the Hunter Lab scale, showed an opposite trend of a* and L* parameters, with age, between fresh cladodes and their powders indicating that the smaller the cladodes age, the greenest the resulting powder. Having an acidic pH, powders recorded also increases of cellulose and ash contents with the cladodes age.

Biosorción de plomo (II) en solución acuosa con biomasa de los cladodios de la tuna (Opuntia ficus indica)

Se investigó la remoción de plomo de soluciones acuosas por biomasa de los cladodios de la tuna (BCT), una especie abundante en la sierra peruana. Las propiedades físicas y químicas de la BCT se determinaron por técnicas de FTIR y SEM/EDX. El análisis FTIR confirmó la presencia de grupos –OH, CO–C, C=O y –NH2, los cuales interactuarían con el metal. La micrografía SEM reveló que la morfología superficial de la BCT tiene porosidad adecuada para la biosorción. En un sistema discontinuo se obtuvo la más alta capacidad de biosorción (qe) con una relación masa BCT/volumen de 4 g/L, pH 4,5 y tiempo de contacto de 1 h. La biosorción siguió un modelo cinético de pseudo-segundo orden y el proceso de difusión intraparticular fue el factor principal de control de la velocidad. Los datos en el equilibrio fueron correlacionados con cinco modelos (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, D-R y Redlich-Peterson) y se ajustaron mejor al modelo de Langmuir, lo que indica que el proceso se realiza en centros activos energéticamente homogéneos, el valor de qe máxima fue 50,25 mg/g. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la BCT puede ser usada como biosorbente eficiente para el tratamiento de aguas contaminadas con Pb (II).

BIOSORCIÓN DEL COLORANTE AZUL DE METILENO USANDO LOS CLADODIOS DE LA TUNA (Opuntia ficus indica)

La biosorción es un proceso efectivo para la remoción de colorantes sintéticos desde soluciones acuosas. Se estudió el uso de la biomasa de los cladodios de la tuna (BCT) para remover el colorante catiónico azul de metileno (AM) de la solución acuosa. Las técnicas de caracterización: FTIR, SEM y punto de carga cero (pHPCC) muestran las características químicas y físicas de la BCT. Se evaluaron los parámetros experimentales que afectan el proceso de biosorción, como el pH, tiempo de contacto y la dosis de biomasa/volumen, en un sistema estacionario. Los datos experimentales del equilibrio se ajustaron al modelo de la isoterma de Langmuir, la capacidad máxima de biosorción del AM fue de 156,25 mg/g con una dosis de BCT/volumen de 4 g/L, pH 8 y tiempo de contacto de 120 min. Los datos cinéticos se pueden describir bien con el modelo de pseudo-segundo orden, la biosorción parece estar controlada por la quimisorción y puede estar involucrada con la adsorción sobre la superficie y la difusión en los poros durante todo el proceso de biosorción. Se demostró que la BCT se constituye como un biomaterial prometedor, eficiente y biodegradable para eliminar el AM de las aguas residuales.

Characterization of Micronutrients, Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Prickly Pear Cladodes as Functional Ingredient.

The Opuntia ficus indica (L.) (OFI) is used as a nutritional and pharmaceutical agent in various dietary and value added products. This study underlines the possible use of native prickly pear cladode powder as a functional ingredient for health-promoting food production. To summarise, chemical characterization of polyphenols, minerals and soluble dietary fibre was performed; furthermore, the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of polyphenols and minerals were assessed. Eleven compounds between phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified, with piscidic acid and isorhamnetin derivatives being the most abundant. Opuntia’s dietary fibre was mainly constituted of mucilage and pectin, and was composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose sugars. The polyphenols’ bioaccessibility was very high: piscidic acid at 200%, eucomic and ferulic acids >110% and flavonoids from 89% to 100%. The prickly pear cladode powder is also a source of minerals, as cations (calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium) and anions (sulphate and chloride), with high magnesium bioaccessibilty (93%). OFI powder showed good capacity of radical scavenging measured by DPPH and ABTS methods, with 740 and 775 μmol Trolox/100 g OFI, respectively. Finally, the presented results allow the consideration of this natural product as a source of several essential nutrients, with a possible use in the food industry as a functional ingredient.

Fatty acid profile of fruits (pulp and peel) and cladodes (young and old) of prickly pear [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] from six Spanish cultivars

The aim of this research was to determine the fatty acid profile of the botanical parts (young and old cladodes, fruit pulp and peel) of six Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. cultivars grown in Spain to evaluate their potential uses for human nutrition, animal feeding and/or industrial use. Nine fatty acids were identified in fruit peel and young cladodes, eight in fruit pulp, and seven in old cladodes. Linoleic acid (C18:2), which is an essential fatty acid, was the main compound in the profile of the old cladodes, fruit peel and pulp. However, young cladodes had palmitic acid (C16:0) as the major compound. Old cladodes showed higher percentages of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids than young cladodes. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were the prevailing group of fatty acids in fruits. These results suggested that prickly pear fruits have a good nutritional profile of fatty acids, rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated compounds.

Antiviral activity of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller) extract: Opuntin B, a second antiviral protein

We previously showed that aqueous extract of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladode has significant antiviral activity against Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV: family Bromoviridae). Antiviral activity of the extract was retained for a period of 9 days on treated faba bean leaves. This activity was considerably decreased at concentrations lower than 30 mg mL−1, and by washing the treated leaves of faba bean plants 2 h after application of cactus extract, and was ineffective when applied 24 h after virus inoculation. No inhibitory effect was found against agro-inoculated strain of Beet curly top virus (BCTV: family Geminiviridae) on faba bean plants. Prickly pear extract reduced the efficiency of CMV transmission by Aphis gossypii on treated cucumber seedlings. An antiviral protein designated Opuntin B was isolated from the extract by heat treatment and differential centrifugation, and bulk protein precipitation by ammonium sulfate followed by cation and anion exchange chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis in the presence of 2-ME revealed that Opuntin B is made of four protein components, in the molecular weight (Mr) range of 29–32 kDa, while in the absence of 2-ME, only two bands in the range of 26–28 kDa were visible. Native PAGE of the protein also showed 2 bands. Purified Opuntin B completely inhibited CMV on faba bean and zucchini plants at concentration of 40 μg mL−1 and had an IC50 of 0.75 μg mL−1 for inhibition of the virus on faba bean leaves. The isolated antiviral protein exhibited inhibitory activity against Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV: family Potyviridae) Squash mosaic virus (SqMV: family Secouviridae) and Tobacco mosaic virus, (TMV: family Virgaviridae), as well.

Seasonal variability of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in prickly pear cladodes of Opuntia and Nopalea genres

Seasonal variability of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in prickly pear cladodes of Opuntia and Nopalea genres

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Opuntia ficus Indica L. Cladodes Related to Extraction Method

We studied the richness of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activities of Opuntia ficus indica L. cladodes by comparing two types of extraction, maceration and soxhlet made with methanol / water (8 : 2, v/v). The results showed that the extraction by maceration is better than that by soxhlet with a total polyphenol concentration of 36.7 mg GAE/ g DW, a total antioxidant activity of 18.5 mg GAE/ g DW and an IC50 of 77.5 μg/ml against DPPH radical scavenging. These results are very vaforable for a sustainable valorisation of the prickly pear cladodes for medicinal, pharmacological and alimentary fields.

Effects of different harvesting seasons on antioxidant activity and phenolic content of prickly pear cladode juice

Abstract The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of two distinct cladode genotypes under three sampling dates (spring, summer, and winter). The juice extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (spineless) and Opuntia megacantha (spiny) genotypes was analyzed for their phenolics content and antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. The composition of major phenolics substances of cladode juice harvested in March was determined by HPLC analysis. The average of the total phenolics content ranged from 455.65 to 542.70 μg GAE mL−1. The antioxidant activity varied from 1.78 to 4.10 μmol TE mL−1 by DPPH assay, 12.78–23.10 μmol TE mL−1 by ABTS assay and 1.74–3.33 μmol TE mL−1 by FRAP assay. Higher values of antioxidant activity and polyphenols content were registered in summer. O. ficus-indica recorded significantly higher values for the parameters compared to O. megacantha.

Chemical Evaluation of South African Prickly Pear Cladodes Varieties as Fodder for Ruminants Grown in Mara ADC, South Africa

The aim of the study was to determine the chemical composition of South African prickly pears cladodes varieties as fodder for ruminants in Mara ADC, South Africa. The experimental field was divide...

Evaluation of eleven Mexican cultivars of prickly pear cactus trees for possibly utilization as animal fed: in vitro gas production

In production systems of prickly pear fruit and prickly pear cactus, significant amounts of pruned material, which could be used as an ingredient in animal feeding, is generated. The aim of this study was to measure the nutrient content, fermentation kinetics and in vitro digestibility of eleven cultivars of cladodes of prickly pear cactus. The fermentation was measured indirectly using the gas production technique, where 500 mg of DM substrate (prickly pear cactus cultivars) were placed in amber glass flasks of 125 mL with 90 mL of ruminal inoculum under a continuous flow of CO2. Flasks were hermetically wrapped up with a rubber stopper and a metal ring, and were placed in a water bath at 39 °C. The fermentation gas pressure was measured using a monometer at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 38, 50 and 72 h incubation. Results show that the chemical composition ranged between (g kg−1 DM): 64 and 160 g kg−1 dry matter (DM), 137–293 g kg−1 DM ash, 52–101 g kg−1 DM crude protein, 3–22 g kg−1 DM ether extract, 251–393 neutral detergent fiber and 132–192 acid detergent fiber. The gas volume was different (p < 0.05) among cultivars, with the Red Vigor cultivar having the largest volume at 378 mL g−1 DM. The highest volume of gas was produced during the first 24 h in on average 67 % of the total produced. The in vitro DM digestibility displayed values of up to 82 % in the Roja Pelota cultivar. It can be concluded that the cladodes of prickly pear cactus from different cultivars can be used in animal feed for its good rumen fermentation characteristics.