Sheepgrass (Leymus chinensis): An environmentally friendly native grass for animals

Abstract

This book summarizes the latest research on sheepgrass, both in China and around the globe, as well as fundamental information on the topic. Sheepgrass (Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel) is a key species in the eastern part of the Eurasian steppe and widely distributed in northern China. It is highly adaptable and holds considerable value in terms of animal husbandry and ecology/the environment. Over the past thirty years, Chinese scientists have collected and evaluated a wealth of wild sheepgrass germplasm data, and extensive basic research has been conducted on the plant’s sexual reproduction, yield, quality, and resistance. In addition, methods for utilizing new varieties in different regions have been developed. This book describes the distribution and origin, breeding, cultivation, and sexual reproduction of sheepgrass. It also discusses recent advances concerning its nutrient and water absorption and applications, grazing resistance mechanism, and gene resources mining.