Journal of Rangeland

Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

---

Opuntia stricta, a plant resisting drought, has edible, medicinal and forage values. Considering the importance of the species, this study examines the forage quality, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid and antioxidant properties of various organs, including pads, fruits and seeds. In order to conduct research, sampling was done randomly and with 5 replications from around the Mohammad Abad village of Groan city in 2017. After transferring the samples to the laboratory, extraction was carried out using pure methanol. Then, total phenol using Folin Sivkaltive reagent, flavonoids using colorimetric method and antioxidant properties was performed using standard DPPH radicals by a spectrophotometer. Also, nutrient quality indices (CP, DMD, ME and ADF) of different organs were measured using nutrient quality assay methods.  Data analysis was performed using one way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests. The results showed that the amount of phenols and flavonoids in leaf and fruit was more than seeds. Whereas antioxidant levels in seeds and fruits were higher than their amount in leaf and fruit. The amount of crude protein in the grain was more than fruit and leaves. According to the results, seeds and fruits have a greater nutrient quality (CP, DMD and ME) and antioxidant that’s why they have important pharmaceutical, nutritional, and forage use. Due to the wide ecological presence of the species, as well as its significant canopy cover, it can play an effective role in soil conservation from water and wind erosion. According to the results, seed and fruit due to their higher antioxidant properties, as well as the nutritional value (CP, DMD and ME), are more important in pharmaceutical, nutritional and fodder value than other organs. In addition, the high resistance of this species to severe environmental conditions such as drought, dehydration it could be seen in arid and semi-arid soils with shortages of food sources for livestock use where it could be used as fodder.

Keywords: Forage quality, Antioxidant, Nutrient Quality Indices, Phenols, Flavonoid, Opuntia stricta.

Full-Text [PDF 634 kb]   (932 Downloads)    

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:

---

---