Extreme daily fluctuations in temperature and poor soil quality make sedentary agriculture virtually impossible. Instead, the nomads use animals as a means to convert the energy of the steppe grasses into usable forms such as meat, milk, and wool. The horse is especially beloved and essential to Mongol life. Mongols spend much of their lives on horseback and are skilled equestrians. Not only does the horse serve myriad practical purposes, but it plays a great symbolic and inspirational role.
Sheep are the foundation of the herding economy, and mutton is by far the preferred meat.
The felt for the ger is made from sheep's wool. Goats provide angora wool, a profitable export item. Camels, traditionally the most important transportation for exporting and importing products, are still used mainly as beasts of burden. Cow dung is the primary source of fuel because the steppe is not forested. Being a nomadic people, Mongols found an artistic outlet in their portable belongings, such as saddles, horse trappings, tools and kitchen utensils, and especially personal jewelry.