Development of Millet Agriculture and Its Integration With Animal Husbandry in Liaoxi, Evidenced by Stable Isotope Analysis From the Tuchengzi Site

ABSTRACT This study reports carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic data of faunal remains from the Tuchengzi site during the Lower Xiajiadian (LXJD) Culture and the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. During the LXJD Culture, pigs and dogs exhibited a C 4 ‐dominated diet, indicating millet byproduct as fodder. Cattle also displayed C 4 ‐dominated diets, reflecting stall‐feeding, while sheep/goats had a mixed C 3 –C 4 diet, suggesting grazing management. This pattern continued into the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, during which horses also showed the influence of millet agriculture. These findings provide valuable insights into the agro‐pastoral integration in the Liaoxi region, highlighting adaptive subsistence strategies in prehistoric Northeast China.