| Breed History |
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The Domesticated Yak
The domesticated full blood yaks (Bos grunniens) are known to be a cross between the wild yak (Bos mutus) and various local domestic cattle breeds surrounding the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet.
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Yaks in the Market
Yaks can fill the market niche of every cattleman, small acreage owner or exotic breeder.
They provide a source of breeding stock, crossbreeding stock, meat, fiber, milk and dairy products, hides, horns, and make excellent pack or show animals.
Yak meat has a delicious and delicate beef like flavor. It is very low in fat as the fat layer is put down on the outside of the carcass and is easily trimmed off. It is deep red in color, high in protein, and low in calories, saturated fats, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Yak fiber is comparable to cashmere or angora. It is the downy undercoat that sheds off during the spring and can be combed out, collected and processed. The courser outer hair or ‘guard hair’ can be used to weave ropes and belts.
YAK Q & A- Frequently Asked Questions
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| Breed Characteristics |
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Yaks, (Bos grunniens), a member of the bovine family, are divided into the following categories:
1. Imperial: black with a black nose.
2. Black: black with a gray nose.
3. Trim: black with white trim usually on the forehead, feet and tip of tail.
4. Royal: black and white (similar to Holstein markings).
5. Golden: dun coloring over black
6. Woolly: longer and thicker hair coat
Yaks have handlebar horns, shoulder humps, horse-like tails and long hairy skirts hanging nearly to the ground.
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Yaks are ‘easy keepers’. They require no special fencing needs. Your standard 4-wire barbed wire fence is sufficient. They are cold hardy and disease resistant. Birthing comes easily as the calves are relatively small at around 35 lbs. Although yaks do not do as well in extremely hot and humid climates, they are fine at normal ‘summer’ conditions when shade trees and fresh water are available. The stocking rate of yaks is greater that of commercial cattle. A yak eats about 1/3 the amount of hay that a commercial cow eats. Yaks do not need a finishing ration, thus you can eliminate grain, hormones and steroids. A good mineral block is essential, however, along with free choice freshwater.
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