Nutritional quality and ecological impact of the use ofFerocactus peninsulae, Opuntia chollaand other desert plants as cattle forage in the Baja California peninsula

Nutritional quality of cactus and other desert plants, commonly used as feed for livestock in Baja California peninsula during dry seasons, was evaluated considering their general analysis, associated digestive enzymatic activity, presence of digestive enzymatic inhibitors and lectins. Even if nutritional quality of cacti as a protein source is low with respect to other plants, their water content and nutritional quality may be important as an emergency feed for cattle. The use ofOpuntia chollainstead ofFerocactusspecies is proposed in order to protect endangered species.