Exploration of the stereo development mode of ecological grass-based livestock husbandry in Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau: An example from the Yongshan County, Yunnan Province

The development of ecological grass-based livestock husbandry is an important part of the structural adjustment of agriculture in the new era. There are 4.7 × 10⁵ km² hill grasslands in southern China, with abundant light, heat, water, and soil resources. Grass has a long growing season, high productivity, and huge potential for the development of ecological grass-based livestock husbandry. Moreover, vegetation and climate show obvious vertical differences due to complex terrain conditions. However, grass-based livestock husbandry development in hill grasslands in southern China has rarely been reported. Therefore, we conducted technology demonstrations in Yongshan County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province. Accordingly, three modes were explored based on climate and vegetation characteristics at different elevations. At high elevations (above 2 500 m), the mode centered on grazing; at middle elevations (1 500 ~ 2 500 m), the mode centered on both grazing and house feeding; and at low elevations (below 1 500 m), the mode centered on house feeding. This stereo development mode system has been formed in the region. Therefore, we made suggestions for the development of ecological grass-based livestock husbandry in southern China and can provide a basis for future decision-making.