Semnan – A faculty member of Agricultural Research Education And Extension Department in the central province of Semnan described cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a valuable species of cactus that can play a major role in value chain of animal feed industry. 

 

“Although the nutritional value of this cactus is lower compared to other common forages, but it can supply 30 to 40 percent of animal feed as it contains 8 to 10 percent raw protein,” Mohammad Javad Abarghuee told IRNA on Saturday.

 

Opuntia ficus-indica, the Indian fig opuntia, fig opuntia, or prickly pear, is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant grown in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world.

 

Opuntia fruit can be used for human consumption, he added.

 

Opuntia ficus-indica is a prickly, evergreen, large, bushy cactus plant that can sometimes develop a definite woody trunk and is capable of growing up to 5 meters.