Shandan Horse Farm pioneers eco-friendly livestock management

On Dec 4, a remarkable unique ecological shift happened at Shandan Horse Farm Unit One, as herds of horses, cattle, and sheep gracefully relocated from natural grasslands to over 70,000 mu (approximately 11,667 acres) of stubble fields for sustainable foraging.

Located in the core area of Qilian Mountains ecological protection zone, Shandan Horse Farm serves as an integral part of the northern Qilian Mountains grasslands and a crucial water conservation area for the Hexi Corridor. Its ecological environment holds strategic significance for the Qilian Mountains' preservation.

Every year, from November to late April, Unit One provides free access to over 70,000 mu of stubble fields for workers' livestock. These fields have become an essential winter "supply station" for the animals.

The unit's high-quality oat grass, containing 9-12 percent protein content, promotes rapid livestock growth. This practice effectively reduces grazing pressure on natural grasslands, achieves grass-livestock balance, and enhances soil water retention while significantly decreasing winter pasture stress.

Optimizing stubble fields yields multiple ecological benefits by reducing autumn plowing, suppresses dust emissions, and eliminates environmental pollution from straw burning. This practice lays a solid foundation for regional air quality improvement and ecological security.

Furthermore, by transforming animal waste into high-quality organic fertilizer for farmland a self-sustainable ecological cycle  for agricultural waste management is established. This approach promotes deep integration between agriculture and animal husbandry, forming a new development model of agricultural-livestock integration characterized by mutual benefits and positive interaction. The result is a comprehensive achievement of ecological, social, and economic benefits.

In recent years, Shandan Horse Farm Unit One has continuously explored innovative approaches in ecological protection and livestock development. Through various innovative measures, they have successfully promoted sustainable livestock development while ensuring environmental protection, making significant contributions to the Qilian Mountains' ecological preservation.