Utilization and Management of Forage Resources in the Farming Area of Xizang Autonomous Region

Agriculture and animal husbandry stand as the two long - established and significant pillar industries of Xizang. These two sectors have deep - rooted historical and economic significance in the region, having been the mainstays of the local economy for a long time. When we take a look at the situation from the perspective of the relative economic contribution made by animal husbandry, the entire region can be clearly categorized into three distinct types of areas. These are the pastoral areas, where animal husbandry is the dominant economic activity, the semi - pastoral semi - agricultural areas, which strike a balance between raising livestock and cultivating crops, and the agricultural areas, where the focus is more on crop production. However, it is quite remarkable that even in the so - called agricultural areas, livestock production still holds a considerable share. Specifically, it accounts for approximately 30% of the total local agricultural output. This proportion is not negligible at all. It clearly shows and emphasizes the crucial supporting role that animal husbandry plays in Xizang's traditional economic activities. In fact, animal husbandry acts as a solid foundation, complementing and strengthening the overall economic structure in Xizang, making it more stable and resilient in the face of various economic challenges. Academic research on animal husbandry production is quite extensive, covering a wide range of aspects and perspectives. However, it is characterized by distinct thematic emphases, with different scholars focusing on various specific areas and issues related to animal husbandry production. Xiao Qianchun (1954) and Zheng Peiyao (1955) were among the early researchers who provided descriptive overviews of livestock production in the agricultural areas of Xizang. Their works outlined the general situation of livestock raising and management in specific agricultural regions of Xizang at that time, laying a certain foundation for subsequent research on this topic (Xiao, 1954; Zheng, 1956). The Xizang Social History Surveys (Volumes 1–4) primarily recorded the conditions of agricultural and pastoral production in certain regions of Xizang prior to the democratic reforms. These surveys comprehensively documented the production methods, scale, and related socioeconomic factors of both agriculture and animal husbandry in those specific areas before the significant changes brought about by the democratic reforms, providing valuable historical materials for understanding the development process of animal husbandry in Xizang (Editorial Group of the Tibetan Social History Survey Series, 2009). The Xizang Comprehensive Expedition Team of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1964) proposed distinct priorities for integrating agriculture and animal husbandry in agricultural areas as opposed to pastoral areas. They carefully analyzed the different characteristics and requirements of these two types of areas and proposed corresponding integration strategies, which were of great guiding significance for the coordinated development of agriculture and animal husbandry in Xizang (Tibet Comprehensive Expedition Team, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1964). Zhang Jianshi (1994) delved into the technical linkages between the ecological environment and livestock production. He explored in detail how the ecological environment in Xizang influenced livestock production from a technical perspective, such as the impact of climate, soil, and water resources on the growth and health of livestock, as well as how livestock production activities, in turn, affected the ecological environment (Zhang, 1994). Hu Songjie (1995) discussed the relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry. His research focused on analyzing the interaction and interdependence between these two major sectors in the context of Xizang, including aspects such as resource exchange, influence on economic development, and role in the overall agricultural structure (Hu, 1995). Gelek, Liu Yimin, and Zhang Jianshi (1993) conducted detailed socio-historical investigations of herders in the Nagqu area. They not only studied the production and living conditions of herders but also explored the historical changes, cultural traditions, and social structures related to herding in that area, providing a more in-depth understanding of the herding community in Nagqu (Gelek et al., 1993). Nan Wenyuan (2000) studied the harmonious relationship between Xizang livelihood modes and the natural environment. He analyzed how traditional livelihood modes in Xizang, including animal husbandry, were adapted to the natural environment and how they maintained a relatively harmonious coexistence, which was of great significance for sustainable development in Xizang (Nan, 2000). Gelek (2006) conducted research on the pre-liberation nomadic tribal society of the Sertar grassland in Sichuan. Although located in Sichuan, this study is relevant to the overall research on nomadic animal husbandry in the region. It provides insights into the social organization, production patterns, and cultural characteristics of pre-liberation nomadic tribes, which can be compared and referenced for similar research in Xizang (Gelek, 2006). Guo Jiaji (2006) elaborated on the utilization of natural pastures in the vertical animal husbandry system of Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan. His research focused on how the unique vertical geographical environment in Diqing was used for animal husbandry, including the seasonal movement of livestock, the management of different types of pastures at different altitudes, and the overall efficiency of natural pasture utilization (Guo, 2006). Shao Kan and Tian Hong (2011), as well as Luo Kanglong (2014), explored the role of traditional Xizang livelihoods in protecting the ecological environment of the Yellow River source region. They analyzed how long-established traditional livelihoods, especially those related to animal husbandry, had a positive impact on maintaining ecological balance and environmental protection in the Yellow River source area, highlighting the importance of traditional practices in ecological conservation (Shao & Tian, 2011; Luo, 2014). Qiang Ge (2013) proposed that animal husbandry operations in Xizang agricultural areas can be categorized into four models. His categorization was based on a comprehensive consideration of various factors such as production scale, management methods, and market orientation, which provided a clear framework for understanding and analyzing the diversity of animal husbandry operations in Xizang agricultural areas (Qiang, 2013). Existing research in the field of animal husbandry can be broadly and comprehensively classified into four distinct categories. The first category pertains to the historical context of animal husbandry production, which delves into the long-standing background, development trajectories, and the various factors that have influenced the emergence and evolution of animal husbandry over time. The second category focuses on the content of animal husbandry activities, covering aspects such as the different types of livestock raised, daily management operations, and the production processes involved. The third category is concerned with the rationale and practices of integrating agriculture and animal husbandry. This includes understanding the theoretical basis behind the combination of these two sectors and the practical methods employed to achieve a harmonious and efficient coexistence between them. The fourth category examines the coupling relationship between animal husbandry practices and environmental conservation, exploring how animal husbandry can be carried out sustainably without causing excessive harm to the environment. While the existing literature extensively and thoroughly discusses animal husbandry production in pastoral areas, with in-depth analyses of the unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities in those regions, studies on animal husbandry in agricultural areas remain relatively insufficient. There is a significant gap in research when it comes to understanding the specific circumstances and issues faced in agricultural areas. Particularly under the current condition of severe fodder scarcity in agricultural areas, where the availability of feed for livestock is a pressing concern, there is a lack of detailed description and specific analysis regarding the core issue of how to effectively manage and sustainably utilize local forage plant resources. This gap hinders the development of appropriate strategies for improving animal husbandry in these areas. This paper aims to closely examine the utilization and management wisdom of forage resources in agricultural areas of Xizang. It takes as a case study the mountain pastures, cultivated grassland vegetation, and rotational grazing practices within the village domain of Zhaxilin Village, Zhanang County, Xizang Autonomous Region. The mountain pastures in this area have unique ecological features and forage availability patterns. The cultivated grassland vegetation is an important part of the local forage supply system, and the rotational grazing practices are designed to optimize the use of available forage resources. The materials presented herein were primarily derived from the author’s in-depth field investigations conducted in Zhaxilin Village. These investigations involved long-term observations, interviews with local herders, and data collection on various aspects of forage utilization and management in the area.