Online Publication Session - X International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal

Opuntia stricta is regarded as an invasive species in Arid and semi-arid land regions in Kenya where there is a growing number of Kenyans keeping camels. One of the challenges experienced in camel rearing is fodder shortage, especially during periods of prolonged drought. Cactus is drought resilient and tolerates severe utilization during prolonged droughts. This study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing dairy camels with processed O. stricta and urea on feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition. Eight lactating dromedary Somali camels were kept under traditional management conditions and supplemented with processed O. stricta and urea in a 4 x 4 Latin square experimental design for 84 days divided into four periods of 21 d. Each experimental period included 14 d for adaptation of the animals to the experimental treatments and seven days for data collection. The supplementation was offered to camels for four hours before and after grazing in the range. The treatments were: grazing only (control); grazing supplemented with chopped O. stricta; grazing supplemented with milled O. stricta; grazing supplemented with milled O. stricta treated with 1% urea. Dry matter intake was evaluated. Milk yield was measured by weighing using a digital scale, and milk composition was determined using the Lacto scan milk analyzer system. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in milk yield and feed intake. Camels receiving processed cactus treated with urea presented the greatest milk yield (6.03±0.13 L) and dry matter intake (4.14±0.21 kg). There was no difference in milk composition between camels fed on different diets (P>0.05). Milk yield increased with increase in dry matter intake of the supplemental diet. The use of cactus processing by a machine and mixed with urea to maximize dry matter intake is recommended.