Herding Knowledge

Abstract

A combination of severe drought and cold, known as the dzud, occurs periodically in Mongolia. Two successive dzuds in 2000 and 2001 killed a great number of animals and adversely affected the reproduction of the survivors. The herders suffered severe hardship and the economy of the whole country was badly affected.
This booklet documents the traditional methods, experience and skills used by the herders to manage these calamities and was the outcome of ADRA’s (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) project “DZUD” in cooperation with the Animal Husbandry and Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and funded by the Embassy of the United Kingdom. The booklet emphasises the care and herding of the so-called “ small cattle” (sheep and goats).