Nomadic cattle-breeding

The horse, the ram, the camel, the bull and the goat are the five symbols of a nomad’s well-being. In the course of many centuries the Mongolians have refined all techniques of nomadic economy with non-waste technology. Different types of cattle (horses, large and small horned cattle) in turns fed on different pastures throughout the year, so that the herbage on them completely regenerated. There were bans on polluting water and pastures; young animals were protected (only 5-6-year-old cattle were slaughtered); natural reserves were formed – in short, various methods of ecological protection were developed.

Most of a herd is usually formed by sheep. As a result of centuries-long breeding a Mongolian fat-tailed sheep has been bred that is very well adapted to severe steppe conditions and is very productive. One-third of a herd is usually formed by goats: they can live on herbs which are not eaten by other animals. In Gobi desert, where fodder is particularly meager, goats prevail in a herd. Large horned cattle - cows and dzoes (a cross between a cow and a yak) – are bred mostly in steppes. In the mountains yaks are bred, and in semi-desert regions – Bactrian camels. They fully provide people with meat, milk and wool and, in addition, serve as an excellent means of transportation.

The horse is an irreplaceable companion of the steppe people. The most poetic glorifications and tuneful songs are dedicated to it. Keeping horses on distant pastures is low-cost though highly beneficial – horse-flesh is a source of food, and mare’s milk is used to make koumiss – the main national drink.

In the past each family, depending on their prosperity, had dozens or thousands of cattle heads. Large horned cattle were divided into herds of adult and cubs, and small cattle – into flocks. In different parts of Mongolia migrations are performed in different ways. Summer sites are usually located in river valleys and winter sites – on elevations. In the regions were there is a lack of herbs

Traditional mode of transportation in steppe. Mongolia. Mongols. A. Saifieva. 2006		Leather boots with folded toe fit  the best nomadic cattle-breeder. Mongolia. Mongols. D. Ivanov. 2006		Hummer. Mongolia. The Mongols.
Valise. Mongolia. The Mongols. 20th century.		Horses in "stable". Mongolia. The Mongols. Saifieva A., 2006.		Strong, hard-working and frost-resistant Mongolian horses quickly moove by sands of steppes and semideserts. Mongolia. Ulan Bator. Saifieva A., 2006.
A herd in steppe. Mongolia. The Mongols. Saifieva A., 2006.		Ilimitable spaces of Mongolia associate with Nikolay Roerich art. Mongolia. The Mongols. Ivanov D., 2007.