Shokokumaki is a farm controlled by Hyobusho (ministry of military), and according to "the Engishiki" (an ancient book for codes and procedures on national rites and prayers) 24 horse farms, 12 cow farms and 3 horse-cow farms, totaling in 39 farms, were established in 18 provinces, each of which sent horses that have reached the age of five to Sayu Meryo (the right and left divisions of Meryo, the bureau of horses) every year, while farms in various districts along the Saikaido Road sent horses to Dazai-fu (local government office in Kyushu region).
諸国牧は、兵部省が所轄する牧で、延喜式によると18ヵ国に馬牧が24ヵ所、牛牧が12ヵ所、馬牛牧が3ヵ所の計39の牧が設置され、毎年、各牧から馬は5歳に達したものが左右馬寮に送られ、西海道諸国の牧からは大宰府に送られた。