Nutrient content of cactus and woody plant fruits eaten by birds and mammals in South Texas

• Published in: The Southwestern naturalist Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 301 - 305
• Main Authors: Everitt, J.H, Alaniz, M.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Southwestern Association of Naturalists 21-08-1981
• Subjects: Animal feeding behavior; Birds; Cactus; Deer; Fruits; Mammals; Plants; Swine; Turkeys; Woody plants
• ISSN: 0038-4909; 1943-6262
• DOI: 10.2307/3670909

During their periods of availability in 1976 and 1977, the fruits of 17 species of cacti and woody plants eaten by birds and mammals in southern Texas were collected and analyzed for percentages of crude protein (CP), P, Ca, Mg, K, and Na. Crude protein levels ranged from 3.85 to 22.18%; however, levels of CP in most species were inadequate for birds and mammals. None of the fruits contained adequate P levels for birds, and most had deficient P levels for mammals. Most species contained adequate levels of Ca for mammals and inadequate levels for birds. All species had adequate Mg and K levels for birds and mammals, whereas Na levels were generally below the recommended dietary requirement for birds and mammals.