Mongolian livestock

I'm no expert on this topic, but to understand a little more about Mongolians, I think you have to understand the bond they have with their animals. The people in Mongolia treasure and value their animals. Their animals are the only thing that stand between them an starvation. Sheep - lots and lots of sheep. Goats. Camels. Horses. Cows. Yaks. And a few pigs. Dogs roam abundantly, but they aren't valued as much as these other animals. They have to scrounge for their own food and they aren't allowed to sleep in the home with the family. They are completely outside animals. Gotta love that. The dog shown above was huge with a very thick fur coat and is a unique bred to Mongolia. Some cows are even so pampered that they get to wear clothes or at least blankets to help keep them warm. That was a funny sight to see, cows with blankets on their backs.
I found this description of why that bond is so important : "Mongolia is one of the few truly pastoral countries; its economy depends almost entirely on livestock, with little crops, forestry or industry. Its cold, arid climate is only suitable for extensive grazing with local, hardy breeds, which is still practiced with few inputs other than the hard work and skill of the herders. This ancient grazing system has proved itself for many centuries and remained sustainable through the political changes of the past century.

More than 80% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Mongolia’s agriculture sector is derived from the livestock sub-sector. Livestock production is based on grazing of five domestic animal species on open access natural pastures: bovine, sheep, goats, horses and camels. Total livestock numbers have increased from 23 million in 2002 to 40 million in 2007. In 2008, due to an excellent fodder base, the expected increase of the population to 45 million is reaching an all time high."
With all the wool and furs made from these animals, it's no wonder that they export so much cashmere, wool rugs, wool sweaters, wool socks, camel hair socks, hats, scarves and yak sweaters, etc. Mongolians know how to stay warm, even without the modern invention of "wicking" fabrics or "gore tex." When we went to the open air market to buy wool items, we were freezing to death. The Mongolians who worked in those markets stayed there ALL DAY in freezing conditions and it didn't seem to affect them. After about an hour we were frozen solid and had to leave. They are a tremendously hardy and strong people.
Once you understand a little more about how Mongolians make their living and how they work and live, I think it is easier to understand their food. Tomorrow...Mongolian food!