The Benefits of Raising Yaks

While it might be surprising to spot yaks grazing in your neighbor's pasture, these majestic creatures are becoming more than just a picturesque novelty. As their popularity among American farmers and ranchers continues to rise, yaks are being celebrated not only for their ecological contributions, but also for their unique characteristics and charming quirks. In short, yaks are becoming a beloved addition to the agricultural landscape.

Why Would You Want Them?

The yak is a close relative to cattle. It’s one of the world’s most remarkable domestic ruminants as it thrives in conditions of extreme harshness and some of the worst weather conditions. Their long wooly hair makes them attractive and necessary for thriving in their natural habitat at altitudes in the Tibetan plateau. They are known as the most surefooted mountain domesticated animals and can proceed without stumbling on some of the worst mountain paths.

Plus, yaks are just plain useful. They can carry heavier loads than other animals, give meat in the lean period, offer milk with high-fat content, hide and hair for winter clothing, horns to carry milking pails and various decorating materials. Also, yak meat is considered healthier than beef because it has less fat, less saturated fat and more omega fatty acids.

Yak Versus Cattle

Yaks are a more climate-friendly alternative to cattle in livestock production due to their significantly lower methane emissions. A study by the International Scientific Journal indicates that yaks emit 25% to 50% less methane per unit of feed intake compared to cattle, underscoring their potential as a more sustainable choice in reducing the impact of livestock on the climate.

Origin and Adaptation to Colder Climates

There is growing interest in alternative livestock options across the U.S,. and yaks constitute one of the most important groups of ruminants that have been domesticated.

Domesticated yaks found outside China initially descended from Chinese yak and committees of experts have recognized 11 yak breeds. In the U.S. the most popular breed is the North American Yak, which is considered a heritage breed and primarily raised for its meat.

These gentle giants are ranked as a critical breed on the Conservation Priority List, with fewer than 200 purebred American Yaks registered in the U.S. annually. The estimated global population is less than 500.

Yaks are found at altitudes ranging from 6,562 feet to 19,685 feet, which is cold and semi-humid throughout the year. They are well-adapted to the extreme cold conditions and sloppy mountainous terrain.

Sustainable Alternative to Cashmere Production

People use yak hair for warm clothes and blankets. Cashmere production, sourced from goats, poses significant environmental challenges due to overgrazing, which leads to desertification by damaging plant roots and hindering regrowth. This process can cause up to 100 times more environmental harm than wool from sheep or yaks. In contrast, yak wool offers a sustainable alternative, being warmer, more durable and having a considerably lower environmental impact, making it an eco-friendly choice for clothing and textiles.

Nutritional Benefits of Yak Products

Yak milk is rich and creamy and is often used to make butter and cheese. Overall, yak milk has many health advantages and one fun fact is yaks produce pink milk right after they give birth to a calf, but it's only temporary.

Yak milk is a staple in the diet of Tibetan herders, especially beneficial for the weak, ill, elderly and young.

• Known as a natural concentrated milk, yak milk is rich in fat, protein, lactose, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Offers functional benefits such as supporting immune function, reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
• Displays potential as an anticancer agent, with properties that may inhibit cancer cell growth and spread.
• Exhibits blood pressure-lowering effects, aiding in the management of hypertension.

Another benefit of raising yaks is they are easily tamed and trained. They are readily trained for use as pack animals or for riding. Yaks also return to their sites by the call of their names or special cries or singing. Yaks may be ideal for a small farmer, or anyone interested in raising livestock in a sustainable environment.

Fascinating Facts About Yaks

• Yaks can be found in the cold mountains of Asia.
• They have thick hair to keep them warm in freezing temperatures. Their hair can be black, brown or a mix.
• Yaks weigh up to 1,000 kilograms or just over 2,200 pounds.
• They have split hooves that help them walk on rough surfaces and steep mountains.
• A yak’s stomach has four compartments which allows them to digest tough grass.
• They make a grunting sound instead of mooing.
• Yaks can live up to 20 years or more.