Abstract: In the context of national “Big Food Concept” strategy and the antibiotic-free feed policies, this review systematically elucidates the research status and development potential of the annual desert medicinal plant sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum） as an antibiotic-alternative functional forage. Through a comprehensive review of recent research advances onA. squarrosum’s ecological adaptability, nutritional composition, pharmacologically active compounds, and feeding efficacy, sand rice is recognized as a pioneer desert species that demonstrates not only remarkable ecological benefits but also abundant nutritional and medicinal components, including proteins, vitamins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These properties enable it to enhance livestock immunity, regulate gut microbiota, and support the transition toward antibiotic-free animal husbandry. Furthermore, sand rice exhibits multiple advantages for improving barren desert soils, alleviating forage shortages, and promoting modern grass-based livestock systems in desert regions of northwestern China. As a medicinal antibiotic-alternative forage, it has great potential for large-scale cultivation and application. However, there remains an urgent need to accelerate domestication and breeding programs for sand rice, which would help alleviate the shortage of high-quality forage, ensure the safety of livestock products in arid pastoral areas, and promote a balanced development of ecological security and the green economy in desert regions.

Key words: Agriophyllum squarrosum, sandy resource plants, ecological adaptability, medicinal anti-resistance herbage, active compounds