Category:Yak

There are approximately 12 million yaks in China which is about 85%of the world total making China the leader for Yaks.

Yaks are located mainly in the high, cold mountainous areas of China.

Yaks can graze on the alpine grasslands in the summer and during winter on the shrubs in deep snow in rigorous 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. They are:


 * Valley: mainly distributed in the valleys of North and East Tibet, as well as in some parts of Sichuan and 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 of district. An example is the Tianzhu White Yak.

Work

Yaks are mainly used for packing in transport; they may travel 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 Production

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

Milk Production

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

Yak, n. Etym: [thibetan gyag.] (zoöl.)

Defn: a bovine mammal (poëphagus grunnies) native of the high plains Of central asia. Its neck, the outer side of its legs, and its Flanks, are covered with long, flowing, fine hair. Its tail is long And bushy, often white, and is valued as an ornament and for other Purposes in india and china. There are several domesticated Varieties, some of which lack the mane and the long hair on the Flanks. Called also chauri gua, grunting cow, grunting ox, sarlac, Sarlik, and sarluc. Yak lace, a coarse pillow lace made from the Silky hair of the yak.