In vitro Digestibility and Physicochemical Characteristics of Wild Floral Species in Caprines

Pasture plants play an important role in ruminant nutrition, offering a sustainable alternative or complement to conventional concentrate feeds while potentially mitigating enteric methane emissions. This study evaluated the nutritional composition and bioactive compound content of selected terrestrial plant species from Malta to assess their suitability as plant species for goats. Representative samples of multiple species were collected and analysed for proximate composition, fibre fractions, mineral content, and antioxidant activity using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), the Folin Ciocalteu assay, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Methane mitigation potential was measured from chemical profiles and literature-based relationships between feed composition and rumen fermentation. Results showed considerable variation among species, with crude protein values in some forbs exceeding 25% dry matter, alongside moderate fibre content and high levels of phenolic compounds. These compositional traits suggest potential both for improving dietary protein supply and for influencing rumen microbial ecology in ways that could reduce methane emissions. However, variability in nutrient quality and bioactive content among species underscores the importance of targeted selection. The findings highlight underutilized local pasture species as promising components in sustainable goat feeding strategies, while emphasizing the need for in vivo validation of methane mitigation potential before extensive implementation.