More than 113,000 head of livestock in Tekes County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, have begun their annual spring livestock transfer, as herders move their flocks from winter grazing grounds to lower spring pastures and settlements in preparation for the lambing season.

In late February each year, herdsmen in Xinjiang set out on journeys that often exceed 100 kilometers. In Tekes, several families joined forces to drive more than 1,200 sheep over rugged mountain roads to their settlement, nearly 130 kilometers away.

To ease the journey, weaker and older sheep were transported by truck, while the rest of the flock moved on foot across steep slopes.

"This sheep is too old for such a long journey, so we are putting it on the truck," said a herder.

With many ewes nearing lambing, the migration requires extra care. Unexpected heavy snowfall made the trip even more challenging, forcing the group to press on through harsh weather.

Local authorities deployed animal husbandry workers to accompany the herders and established 28 service stations along the route, providing food, lodging, and fodder supplies to ensure a safe transfer.

After nearly three days on the road, the herders and their flocks arrived safely. Lambing will continue through the coming months before the sheep are moved again to summer pastures at the end of May.

The county's spring migration of nearly 114,000 head of livestock is expected to be completed before March 10.