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Why are sheep the main livestock raised in Inner Mongolia?

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Wide autumn valley with golden grass in the foreground and low, tree-covered mountains of the Greater Khingan Range in the distance under a clear sky. — Inner Mongolia Da Hinggan (Greater Khingan) Range, southeast of Hailar, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

Sheep are the primary livestock in Inner Mongolia because the region’s geography and climate are ideally suited for pastoralism rather than intensive agriculture. A significant portion of the region consists of vast, rich grasslands that provide extensive natural pasture, which is the traditional foundation for livestock herding.12

The harsh climate and arid conditions across much of the territory severely restrict the viability of crop cultivation, making the raising of hardy animals like sheep and goats the most practical and sustainable use of the land. Sheep and goats are the most ubiquitous and numerous animals found on these grasslands, as they are well-adapted to the environment. Furthermore, the industry has been bolstered by advancements in animal husbandry, including improved pasturage management and crossbreeding programs—such as those involving Tsgaisky pedigreed sheep—which have significantly enhanced the quality and productivity of the herds.12