H. 1\ I.— :w-». 



MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS 



U. V. 1.— J4J. 



SUMMARY or Rl-CENT INVHSTKiATIOXS OF TUB 

 VALUE OF CACTI AS STOCK I'OOD." 



I'.y D.wio (Jriffiths, Assistauf Atjroatologist, Farm Miinagemenl Tiivestigalions, Bureau 

 oj Plant Indrntrtj, and K. F. Hake, Chemist, Nnr Mexico College of Agricultdre and 

 Mechanic Arts. 



INTKODUCTION. 



In connection with introductions, the improvement of species, and 

 a o;eneral study of the economic relationsliips of native and intro- 

 duced species oi cacti the authors have jointly undertaken a somewhat 

 critical comparison of the species of this «;roup from a forage stand- 

 ]ioint. In order to make the chemical work worth while it has been 

 necessary to put the characterizations of the dilVerent forms and 

 species in such condition that they are recognizable to others. This 

 could only be done by the use of copious notes in connection with 

 each, for names are of uncertain meaning; and in many cases will be 

 of uncertain significance in this group of plants for a long time to 

 come. The chemical side of the investigations seems to be essential, 

 for when these studies were begun there was but little literature deal- 

 ing with the cacti from a forage standpoint. 



a In two publications of the United States Department of Agriculture (Bulletin 

 No. 74 of the Bureau of Plant Industry and Bulletin No. 91 of (lu- Bureau of Animal 

 Industry) the value of the cacti as forage plants has l)een demonstrated. Since these 

 plants are known to possess important economic value more knowledge concerning 

 them is desirable. As a basis for future investigations, the Bureau of Plant Industry 

 and the Agricultural Experiment Station of New Mexico have collected specimens of 

 these plants and their fruits from a wide area, from which a large number of chemical 

 analyses have been made. The results are detailed in the following pages, which 

 contain 187 fodder analyses and 26 complete ash analyses. The teiTitory from which 

 the material was collected extends from central Texas to California and southward to 

 the central plateau of Mexico. 



Attention is called to the fact that the apparent high content of fats and protein in 

 the fruit of certain species is due to the large amount of these classes of nutrients found 

 in the seed. As these seeds are sunwmded l)y a dense layer of wholly indigestible 

 tissue, the high content of ether extract and protein is misleading. The analyses 

 show that the fodder value of the fruit of cholla (Opuntia fulgida) especially is little 

 more than that of the stems. It will be seen that in chemical composition the different 

 forms of cactus compare favorably with ordinary green fodders and root crops. 



There are many points of special interest in connection with the ash analyses, par- 

 ticularly the high content of potash, magnesium, and calcium. Although the cane 

 cacti show a relatively higher food value, practical considerations relating to growth 

 and ease of propagation render them of less value than the prickly pear, except in 

 certain limited localities where they are especially abundant. — \V. J. SpiLLMAiir, 

 Agriculturist in Charge of Farm Management Investigations. 



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