This study assesses the forage potential of six nutri-medicinal plant species, namely Artemisia herba-alba, Atriplex canescens, Juniperus phoenicea, Opuntia ficus-indica, Sinapis arvensis, and Ziziphus lotus, collected from the semi-arid region of Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria. It examines their phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and nutrient contents to assess their suitability as livestock forage during scarcity. Among the studied species, Juniperus phoenicea exhibited the highest levels of total phenolics (169.31 mg GAE/g DW), terpenoids (7.84 mg LE/g DW), and condensed tannins (27.14 mg CE/g DW), while Ziziphus lotus showed the highest flavonoid content (24.18 mg QE/g DW). Screening revealed diverse bioactive compounds including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, glucosides, reducing sugars, triterpenoids, quinones, saponins, and anthocyanins with variation among the studied species. LC-MS/MS detected 28 phytochemicals in ethanolic extracts, including nine flavonoids and 12 phenolic acids with health benefits. Robust antioxidant activities were confirmed via DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays across all species. Proximate analysis indicated balanced crude fiber (31.0-42.4%), lipids (2.8-11.7%), and protein (2.5-8.2%), supporting their forage potential. Though promising, these results warrant further in vivo studies to confirm safety, assess anti-nutritional factors, and validate efficacy in enhancing livestock health and productivity in semi-arid drought-prone regions.