Santos, R.D., Neves, A.L.A., Santos, D.C., Pereira, L.G.R., Gonçalves, L.C., Ferreira, A.L., Costa, C.T.F., Araujo, G.G.L., Scherer, C.B., & Sollenberger, LE. 2018 Divergence in nutrient concentration, in vitro degradation and gas production potential of spineless cactus genotypes selected for insect resistance. The Journal of Agricultural Science 156: 450–456

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economic importance

host

Notes: Forage cactus is an important dry-season feed source for livestock in semi-arid regions, but in north-eastern Brazil, its contribution is limited by susceptibility to the carmine cochineal [Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell)] insect. New cactus germplasm shows superior agronomic performance, but the nutritive value of this material has not been adequately described. The objective of the current study was to assess the divergence in chemical composition and rate and extent of in vitro degradation of these genotypes.