Histomorphometric evaluation of the ruminal epithelium of goats fed with cactus cladodes

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of diets with cactus cladodes on histomorphometric parameters of the rumen epithelium in goats. The animals submitted to the control diets had a dorsal sac with a greater thickness of the keratinized layer and nonkeratinized layers of the ruminal epithelium compared to those fed with Nopalea cochenilliferaSalm-Dyck, without significant difference in treatment with the Opuntia stricta[Haw.] Haw.(O.E.M.). There was no significant difference (P<0.05) for any parameters analyzed in the ventral sac of the rumen. The diets based on Tifton-85 hay associated or not with cactus cladodesO.E.M. can cause a changeinthe morphology of the ruminal epithelium.