Optimal formula feed is a key for efficient transformation of forage to animal products in grass-based livestock husbandry

The animal husbandry in China can be categorized broadly into pastoral and farming animal husbandry. Grazing has long been a main form of animal husbandry in the pastoral areas. The lack of sufficient supply of high quality forage is a key factor that limits the development of animal husbandry in both the pastoral and farming animal husbandry. Natural grasslands in China have degraded seriously since 1970s due to overgrazing and global climate changes, exhibiting low productivity and poor ecological functions. Import of forages (mainly alfalfa and oat hay) from overseas (mainly USA and Australia) has increased markedly in recent years. The insufficiency for supply of high quality of forage and poor ecological function of natural grasslands are major issues limiting the social and economical development in large pastoral areas in China. How to develop a high-efficiency and environmentally-friendly animal husbandry has been a big challenge in these areas. The development of concept of “Grass-based Livestock Husbandry (GLH)” is novel in solving these problems by integrating the processes associated with grassland management, forage planting, forage processing and livestock feeding. More specifically, the GAH theory emphasizes that grasslands are of ecological importance with less function for forage production, while the production of high quality of forage will rely on the development of artificial pasture to sustain the livestock husbandry. Extensive efforts have been made to manage and restore the degraded grasslands, and develop artificial pasture with great yield, high quality and use efficiency of resources. In contrast, less attention has been paid to harvest, process, and store as well as utilize the forages for livestock husbandry in both pastoral and farming areas. In this paper, we discussed the effective ways to supply forage to livestock in both pastoral and farming areas. We further explored the technical solutions to improve the insufficient supply of forage in the two areas. We specifically highlighted the important roles of artificial pasture in provision of sufficient forage with high quality for livestock, thus protecting the natural grasslands and maximizing their ecological functions. Finally, we proposed that development of formulated forage systems with high efficiency is a crucial step for success in the grass-based livestock husbandry, and that green animal product is a main driver for development of ecological grass-based livestock husbandry in China. These theories and methodologies have great implications in development and practice of the grass-based livestock husbandry in both pastoral and farming areas.