A Study Of Stock Raising In Shang Dynasty

Based on archaeological data, historical documents, oracle inscriptions on tortoiseshells as well as the research results of contemporary and earlier scholars, this thesis conducts an in-depth discussion of animal husbandry in Shang dynasty. It is divided into six parts:The first part is an introduction. It introduces significance of the selected topic, research methods, and relevant studies. It also makes clear the innovations of this thesis.The second part discusses in detail the background information behind the development of animal husbandry in Shang dynasty from the prospective of the development of animal husbandry in period anterior to Shang dynasty and of natural environment for the development of animal industry in Shang dynasty. The third part studies the varieties and use of the livestock of Shang Dynasty. This part introduces in detail the main species of livestock in Shang dynasty and explains their function in people's daily life, such as usage as food, sacrifice and the usage in war, hunting and travel, The forth Part deals with production and administration of livestock industry in Shang Dynasty. It elaborates on these topics from the aspects of producers, production technology, administration systems, etc., and puts forward to division of labor according to four levels in the administration system in animal industry The fifth part makes a study of the pastures in Shang Dynasty. Most of this part is devoted to the discussion of the pastures belonging to the royal familes and those located in kingdom of feudal lauds. The sixth part is the last one. In addition to a summary of the overall situation of animal industry in Shang Dynasty, it also makes an estimate of the scale of animal industry in Shang dynasty.