IYAK exists for the purpose of advancing awareness of the yak and for benefiting its members through education and communication. As yaks are still quite rare on a national scale, we rely on our members to come together with their experiences and knowledge to continue to learn about this multi-faceted bovine. IYAK is committed to advancing the information available about yaks and is actively involved in DNA analysis, meat studies, and fiber analysis.
IYAK and the North American Yak Registry (NAYR) were formally organized in 1992 and are dedicated to the advancement of yak breeding. IYAK was incorporated in the State of Oregon in 1995 and is a 501 (c) (5) corporation.
The first Certificate of Registration in the National Association of Yak Registry (NAYR) was issued in 1992 with the designated number of C001. There are now more than 1100 registered yaks in the US and Canada and their lineages are being tracked at the NAYR office. Photos must accompany each registration for yak identification and proof of percentage yak. Crossbreds may also be registered under a separate designation.
IYAK holds its annual meeting every January in Denver Colorado at the National Western Stock Show. Members from across the U.S. and North America gather to compete in shows, attend seminars, share in the camaraderie that has developed amongst the members, and meet new friends.
Membership in the International Yak Associated is loaded with benefits and it is easy to join. Annual dues are $60 per year or you may obtain a lifetime membership for $400. If you purchase a yak from an active member, your first year's membership is free AND you will receive a free IYAK T-shirt and Yaks in America DVD! If you don't purchase a yak, your new membership will include a free IYAK T-shirt.
To apply for membership, print the membership application form, complete it, and mail it to the address on the form with your payment.
If you have any questions about becoming a member of IYAK or registering your animals, please contact: secretary@iyak.org
The Yak Herd Book was closed to offspring of unregistered animals effective 12/31/2008. You can request registration of unknown offspring by applying to the Registration Committee.
Effective 1/1/2009 all registered breeding bulls and newly registered bulls are required to have DNA on file. Please see DNA Sampling Requirements for detailed instructions. You must send in the DNA hair sample with your bull registration application or the application will not be processed.
Registration fee is $25 per yak. The fee for DNA sampling registered breeding bulls is $27. The fee for registering and DNA sampling a new bull is $52 (registration plus DNA test).
If you are multi-sire breeding or want proof of parentage you can request a Parentage Report. In order to do this the dam and all potential sires must have DNA tests on file with IYAK.
All bulls born in 2009 and after are required to have fiber samples on file with IYAK and a completed DNA test with UC Davis before their registration can be completed.
Due to the closed herd status for IYAK now in effect, yaks being registered with unknown parentage have to undergo a review before registration can be completed.
Yak registrations and photos will be considered by the review board on a quarterly basis, or within 90 days of submission of paperwork and photos.