The Potential of Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) as Food and Forage Crop

This chapter describes the importance of cactus pear and cladodes as food and forage crop in the arid and semi-arid regions, its worldwide distribution and botanical features. The potential of cactus pear as food crop and the contribution of cactus pear fruits and cladodes in the human nutrition are highlighted. The possibilities of valorization of cactus pear to by-products, which enable high income for rural populations and the nutritional value of the fruits and young cladodes as food for human, are explained. The physiology of disease resistance in the fruits and cladodes has been discussed. The forage resources of the arid and semi-arid regions and the area of cactus pear used for animal feed in the world are presented. The physiology of disease resistance in the fruits and cladodes has been discussed. The forage resources of the arid and semi-arid regions and the area of cactus pear used for animal feed in the world are presented. The potential of cactus pear as fodder and the nutrients contents in the pads useful for animals are investigated. The possibilities of mixing pads with other fodders and food intakes developed for ruminants are suggested. The crude protein contents and minerals in the cactus pear pads have been studied in southern Morocco regarding their requirements by cows and sheep.