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

Abstract

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 divided into four replications with ten different prickly pears varieties within each replication. The following results were obtained (percent of dry matter): crude protein 6.23-10.63, neutral detergent fiber 19.36-38.29, acid detergent fiber 12.25-19.25, ether extract 1.19-2.62 and the phosphorus content 0.19-0.29. It was concluded that the environment aspects in the Limpopo Province did not negatively impact the chemical composition of prickly pears since the concentrations of fiber was lower and crude protein content was higher.