Prickly pear padsField Crops and Feeds

Characteristics

• Scientific name: Opuntia spp.
• Pads: These are broad, flat parts of the cactus, also known as “pads.” They have small, fine spines and are thick and filled with moisture.
• Fruits: The prickly pear is the fruit that grows on the pads, characterized by its oval shape and color, ranging from green to yellow or red.

Uses

• Prickly pear pads is optimal great natural food for Livestock up to 60% of their diet could be prickly pear pads as long as they were supplemented with maize stover and molasses urea.

Health Benefits

• Milk producer: Prickly pear pads is optimal for milk producing dairy for Livestock as the high nutrient amounts and water content is highly desirable for livestock.
• Rich in fiber: It helps improve digestion and prevent constipation.
• Antioxidant: It contains antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage.
• Vitamins and minerals: The pads are rich in Vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to immune support and bone health.

Cultivation

• Prickly pear grows naturally in arid and dry areas like deserts. It thrives in well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant.
• It is grown from parts of the pads or seeds and requires minimal care, making it suitable for cultivation in harsh environments.