Effect of using prickly pear seed cake (Opuntia ficus indica L.) on growth performance, digestibility, physiological and histometric parameters in rabbits

The prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) is a hardy plant well-adapted to hot and arid environments, rich not only in fiber but also soluble carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, and other antioxidant compounds. It has recently attracted attention for its potential uses in human and animal nutrition, however its effects on rabbits are still poorly understood. Its incorporation into the rabbit diet as a source of fiber would reduce the use of alfalfa with several benefits for the sustainability of rabbit farming from the point of view of the circular economy, global warming, and meat production costs. This study investigated the use of prickly pear seed cake in the rabbit’s diet with different inclusion percentages (10% and 20%). Various parameters were evaluated, including growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, morphology of intestinal villi, and carcass characteristics. While productive parameters were similar, diets containing prickly pear seed cake led to improved digestive utilization of nutrients, as well as reduced blood lipid concentrations and fat content in the rabbit carcasses. The encouraging findings of our study suggest that the inclusion of prickly pear in rabbit feed is feasible, although further research is necessary to validate the current outcomes and to evaluate the economic convenience of its use.