Palma forrageira na alimentação de ruminantes no semiárido

Abstract

The present review has the propose to show some considerations about the usage of cactus pears in the livestock of Brazilian semi-arid. This kind of cactus has an excellent adaptation for the Brazilian semi-arid weather. The cactus pears is an important power source for ruminants because it is a rich food and meets the water needs of these animals as well. There is by about 550 thousands ha of cactus pears in the northeast of Brazil, which is the largest area of cultivation of the American continent. The three most important especies produced in this region are: The giant cactus pear (Opuntia fícus indica); the rounded cactus pear (Opuntiasp) and the small cactus pear (Nopalea cochenilifera). Maybe, the biggest problem to cultive these plants in the Northeast of Brazil would be the pest called Cochonilha of the Carmim which is dissipating the farms of cactos pears. Several researchs have been done in order to investigate whether the inclusion of cactus pears as food of the ruminats could reduce the consuption of water of them. In addition, the inclusion of cactus pears, in the meal of ruminants, together a source of effective fiber has been researched with the intention of investigate whether any metabolic disturbance is induced in these animals.