Yak

The Yak (Bos grunniens) belongs to the genus Bos, family Bovidae. It is a hoofed ruminant mammal that lives in wild flocks at altitudes of 3000 – 6000 meters. It can be found in the High regions of Tibet, India and Quinghai.
Currently the wild population of yaks is low, the species being threatened with extinction. The name yak (yak in English) refers only to the male. The female is called "dri"or " nak".
Most peoples use the word Yak for both sexes. The domestic population of yaks numbers over a million specimens worldwide.
It is believed that the Yak dates back 1-5 million years. Recent discoveries confirm that in the past he also lived in Russia. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1776.
Strange is that in some publications it appears under the scientific name (Poephagus grunniens).

Yak Feed

Yak usually feeds on grass. To reach the grass it uses its strong legs to push away the snow that covers it. Besides grass it feeds on moss, lichens and other plants.
A yak consumes 1% of its food by weight.
Water is abundant. Fresh snow is the best source of water. To moisturize chew the snow until it melts.

Iac Features

The Yak is a robust animal larger than the ox, with a height of 1.6 – 2.2 meters. A yak can reach a length of 250-330 cm and a weight of 300-1000 kg. The massive body is covered by long dark hair. The large horns are curved upwards.
The tail is 60-100 cm. Many say it is a combination of goat, bull, sheep, bison, horse and Buffalo because it has something of each.
The long and thick fur that covers his body is meant to protect him from the cold. The coat is dark, brown or black in color. Females are a third smaller. The ears are small. Horns reach lengths of 50-100 cm.
Domestic Yak is much smaller. Domestic males weigh 350 – 580 kg, and females 225-255 kg. Domesticated animals have fur in several colors: gray, white, brown, cream, etc.
In the warm period they breathe 4 times faster than cattle to cool down, and in the cold period 15 breaths per minute to reduce heat loss. It's a herd animal. Flocks can consist of several hundred individuals.
The affinity for yak meat is recognized in many parts of the world. Yak meat is the main food source for non-vegetarians. The Yak is a common animal in the households of the locals as is the cow in our country. When a yak is sacrificed for food, not a single piece is wasted, everything is used.
Besides meat Yak also gives milk from which cheese is made, and the skin is fried and offered as a snack to drinks. It is said to be friendly in its natural environment and can be trained relatively easily.
Wild yak as big as it is aggressive. When he's upset, there's a ferocity out of the ordinary. Its size allows it to attack any animal or anyone that enters its territory or disturbs it. The domestic Yak is the most popular animal in South and East Asia. Locals grow it for farming, meat, milk, wool or transporting goods.
The Yak is the largest cattle after the Indian bison and the largest native animal in the region. It is a powerful, compact, impressive and imposing animal by its size. Males lead a quiet solitary life.
During the cold period it develops a bad smelling substance through sweat that gives it extra protection in addition to the fur.
As a local sport, yaks are practiced. It is a traditional form of entertainment, a festival if you will, and is considered an important part of the culture.

Yak Breeding

During the breeding season, which is from July to September, males join the group of females for mating. They become aggressive and fight for dominance.
Females enter into heat four times a year and during each period are receptive for several hours.
Gestation lasts about 250 days (8-9 months) after which the female gives birth to a single cub that she feeds on milk. After birth, the cub gets up and walks in 10 minutes.
So the female and the little one can join the herd. The young have light brown fur color. It closes with age.