Abstract
Decision makers regard pastoralism as a threat to the Himalayan region, and they insist that over-grazing has caused widespread degradation of the grassland. Consequently, the government policy is to settle the pastoralists, restrict mobility and convert grazing land to cultivated land. Besides the loss of grazing lands, pastoralists must contend with climate warming and forage shortage, especially in the winter and spring. Crop aftermaths, like rice and wheat straw, could provide large quantities of feed for ruminants. Ensiling of straw could improve the nutritive value and reduce enteric methane production by the animal. Alternative feeds like jujube by-products and some herbs could improve productivity and health of livestock. Artifcial grasslands could restore degraded grasslands and provide feed all year. The exchange of germplasm, especially for yaks, should be of high priority to prevent inbreeding. This chapter discusses strategies which would enable sustainable livestock production in the HKH region.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Sustainable Ecological Restoration and Conservation in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region |
Subtitle of host publication | A Comprehensive Review |
Publisher | CABI International |
Pages | 326-352 |
Number of pages | 27 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781800622562 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781800622555 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 15 Jul 2024 |
Keywords
- Alternative feeds
- Artifcial grassland
- Food insecurity
- Germplasm exchange
- Greenhouse gases
- Pastoralism
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
- General Environmental Science