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Prickly Pear ( Opuntia spp.) as an Invasive Species and a Potential Fodder Resource for Ruminant Animals

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  • Nkosomzi Sipango

    (Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
    Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa)

  • Khuliso Emmanuel Ravhuhali

    (Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
    Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa)

  • Nthabiseng Amenda Sebola

    (Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, Roodepoort 1725, South Africa)

  • Onke Hawu

    (Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
    Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa)

  • Monnye Mabelebele

    (Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, Roodepoort 1725, South Africa)

  • Hilda Kwena Mokoboki

    (Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
    Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa)

  • Bethwell Moyo

    (Department of Animal Production, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, Raymond Mhlaba 5685, South Africa)

Abstract

Worldwide, the invasiveness of Opuntia spp. and its impact on various ecosystem services has been recognised especially in semi-arid areas where rainfall is erratic. The semi-arid environments are the habitats of plants which have adapted to be able to grow in severe hot and dry regions. Opuntia spp. normally thrives in conditions of high temperatures, low rainfall, saline soils and it can also adapt and survive in severely degraded soils which have a limited nutrients supply. Its positive impact includes its recognised value as livestock fodder. Opuntia ’s adaptability to harsh conditions, high dry matter yield, palatability and significant levels of energy, as well as its availability at a low cost during the dry season, decreases the use of expensive supplements and conventional diets in many areas. There is a need to understand the importance of this invasive Opuntia species when incorporated in animal diets. As a part of its control measures, the use of livestock in controlling the spread of Opuntia may assist in reducing its abundance and invasiveness while at the same time providing a consistent supply of forage during the dry season. Information on its nutritive value, incorporating the species in animal diets and the means to control it must be well understood to recognise the species’ contribution to an ecosystem.

Suggested Citation

  • Nkosomzi Sipango & Khuliso Emmanuel Ravhuhali & Nthabiseng Amenda Sebola & Onke Hawu & Monnye Mabelebele & Hilda Kwena Mokoboki & Bethwell Moyo, 2022. "Prickly Pear ( Opuntia spp.) as an Invasive Species and a Potential Fodder Resource for Ruminant Animals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:7:p:3719-:d:776548
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mounir Louhaichi & Suresh Kumar & Sunil Tiwari & Muhammad Islam & Sawsan Hassan & Om Parkash Yadav & Devi Dayal & Hloniphani Peter Moyo & Rahul Dev & Ashutosh Sarker, 2018. "Adoption and Utilization of Cactus Pear in South Asia—Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-15, October.
    2. Sheona Shackleton & David Kirby & James Gambiza, 2011. "Invasive plants - friends or foes? Contribution of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) to livelihoods in Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(2), pages 177-193.
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    Cited by:

    1. Simona Errico & Paola Sangiorgio & Stefania Moliterni & Alessandra Verardi & Anna Spagnoletta & Salvatore Dimatteo & Ferdinando Baldacchino, 2023. "Prickly Pear Cladodes as an Alternative Source of Water in Small- and Medium-Scale Yellow Mealworm Rearing," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-12, July.

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