Evaluation of nutrient value of seabuckthorn in north China

Five minerals or elements, crude protein, lysine, methionine+cystine, calcium and phosphorus, were selected for evaluation of the food value of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. sinensis) using the method of "food analysis". The decision values (δ_i) of seabuckthorn seeds, leaves and fruit residues rank in the fifth, sixth and ninth position among the 16 types of fodder. Seeds, leaves and fruit residues of seabuckthorn are suitable for livestock and poultry fodder. The weights of livestock and poultry are considerably increased after feeding with seabuckthorn. The development of seabuckthorn should have great potentials as food, pre-food and food additives for livestock and poultry in north China. Processing facilities should pay more attention to seabuckthorn food development methods and strategies and the seabuckthorn fodder industry should be promoted.