Synergetic Mode for Grassland Ecological Management and Animal Husbandry Development in Northern Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Northern Tibet Plateau is an important ecological security shelter for China and a base of animal husbandry with plateau characteristics. However, grassland degradation is threatening the functioning of alpine grasslands and brings great challenges to ecological protection and animal husbandry development. In this study, we analyzed the current situation of ecological protection and animal husbandry development in the Northern Tibet Plateau, summarized the factors affecting the functions of alpine grasslands in this region, and introduced a synergistic mode for grassland ecological protection and animal husbandry development. A series of measures were also proposed to enhance the ecological functions of the alpine grasslands and upgrade the grassland-based animal husbandry, including ecological restoration of degraded grasslands, optimizing grazing management, artificial forage cultivation, developing a “low grass and high grazing” mode (i.e., planting grass in farming areas of low altitude and raising livestock in pastoral areas of high altitude), and half barn-feeding in winter. This study is hoped to provide scientific and technological support in ensuring national ecological security and increasing income of herdsmen.