PALMA-DE-ESPINHO Opuntia stricta (Haworth) COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE ALIMENTAÇÃO DE REBANHOS NO SEMIÁRIDO PARAIBANO

Abstract

In the Brazilian semiarid region is common to use cactus as a way to feed for livestock, however, they are affected by unwanted insects causing serious damage to the region. Therefore, an unusual alternative is the use of palm-of-thorn (Opuntia stricta) as food for animals. This study aimed to record the different types of collection, preparation and supply of palm-of-thorn in the process of feeding livestock. Data collection was conducted in Soledade/PB and the method used was questionnaires visiting farmers who use the cactus pear, in addition to the bromatologic analyzes, performed in the Nutrition Laboratory UFPB/CCA/Campus II/Areia. The questionnaire sought information about the personal data, ownership and use, animal husbandry and use of cactus pear. From the questionnaires it was possible to obtain data on production per unit area; evaluate the response to this new flocks forage source, obtain nutritional data of species in burned and unburned form and check the man/plant before and during the episode dry. The preparation of cactus pear was given by the burning of rackets in order to eliminate the thorns. Given the foregoing, we conclude that in laboratory burning cactus pear expressively reduced the moisture content; neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The reduction is more discreet for Organic Matter and Ether Extract. However, the values of dry matter and crude protein are significantly increased by the burning process. Although there have been reductions in fiber content increases in the amounts of protein and dry matter justify the basis for weight maintenance, and in some cases, even a few fattening animals. Thus, an alternative fast, nutritious and quite rough has performed across the cactus pear unwieldy that even has ensured the maintenance of the animals. Thus, the exploitation of cactus pear is really a social technology to be improved, streamlined and replicated in different semiarid in the national territory.