Historical experience of cattle breeding in the traditional Kalmyk nomadic society (XIX century)

Abstract

The presented scientific research is devoted to the problems of nomadic management in the traditional Kalmyk society. The article deals with the issues of cattle breeding in Kalmykia in the XIX century in the context of the decline of traditional livestock industries. The gradual increase in the role of cattle in the Kalmyk economy was directly related to administrative and natural and climatic factors. The Caspian steppe, with its sharply continental climate, periodically suffering from droughts and largely devoid of fresh, usable sources, from winds that force seriously reckoning with the problem ofblowing soils and crops, obliged the imperial authorities to pay attention to the problems of the region. To provide assistance, it was necessary, first of all, to find reliable reserves of fresh water to overcome the crisis of Kalmyk cattle breeding. In addition, any adverse phenomena of nature invariably led to the death of livestock, especially among steppe pastoralists, who keep cattle in the open air all year round. Entire generations of Kalmyk pastoralists tirelessly fought against the natural elements for the possession of fresh water sources and, thus, as a result, to a certain extent, managed to organize and adapt to the harsh natural and climatic conditions in the arid territory. Considering the traditional Kalmyk economy, it should be noted that, taking into account geographical conditions, by the end of the XIX century the main type of livestock in the Kalmyk economy was cattle. All animals in the Kalmyk farm, without damage to health, could relatively easily tolerate prolonged frosts, cold winds, heat, etc. Cattle were also distinguished by their endurance, unpretentiousness to fodder, and ability to travel long distances. The meat of the Kalmyk breed was highly valued. Cattle met the Kalmyks’ daily needs for food, materials for clothing and footwear, etc.

Keywords

• livestock farming
• nomads
• history of kalmykia
• cattle
• traditional economy
• transformation of nomadic societies