Ma Xiaoxiao has engaged in research regarding pasture use and the breeding of plants in the vicinity of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. This research has focused on the grass varieties that cover more than 70% of the plateau's alpine pastoral areas; the promotion of pasture seeding and of supporting technology for the development of grassland and animal husbandry on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau; and the ecological and environmental protection of grassland. Ma Xiaoxiao has aided scientific and technological progress in the industry and has made outstanding contributions.