Yak

There are approximately 12 million yaks in China, which comprises about 85% of the world's yaks. Yaks are located mainly in the high, cold mountainous areas of China, grazing on the alpine grasslands in the summer and on shrubs buried in the deep snow in the rigorous winter temperatures. The yak looses weight during the winter but recovers and gains weight rapidly with the coming of spring grass.

The yak's long coarse hair acts as insulation for their body. The animals also grow a dense woolen undercoat for winter protection.

Research workers claim there are three types of yak in China.


 * Valley: mainly distributed in the valleys of North and East Tibet, as well as in some parts of Sichuanand Yuman provinces. An example is the Jiulang.


 * Plateau Grassland: mainly distributed in the high, cold pastures and steppes, with an annual mean temperature below 2 degrees Celsius. Examples are the Maiwa and Luqu.


 * White Yak: found in almost every region or district. An example is the Tianzhu White Yak.

Work
Yaks are mainly used for packing in transport, traveling 20-30 km per day with a load of 130 lbs. on the high, cold, steep mountainous paths. This gives them the reputation of the "Ships of the Plateau".

Meat
They have a dressing percent of 45-54%. Yak meat, from either white or black yaks, has a special flavor and if adequately processed and canned, it is much appreciated in China and as an export.

Dairy
Milk is of economic importance in yak raising. Milking generally starts 10-15 days after calving, which occurs in April and May, then continues for 5 months until winter comes. Production is highest in July, when grass is abundant and nutritious, then declines as the grass dries off gradually before or during October.