Agriculture, Livestock

China maintains a large livestock population, and livestock and animal products are important for domestic uses and for export. In 2001 China supplied 454 million pigs to its domestic and export markets. The country is the leading exporter of hog bristles, which are used in making brushes. In many rural areas of western China, nomadic herding of sheep, goats, and camels is the principal occupation. In the mountains of Tibet and on the Tibetan Plateau, yaks are a source of food and fuel (the dung is burned), and their hair and skin provide materials for shelter and clothing. Other livestock raised in China include cattle, water buffalo, horses, mules, and donkeys.