Raising Yaks  For Beginners
                     Raising Yaks
Generally, yak consume less feed than other cattle, probably because of their smaller rumen 
capacity. Yak prefer fresh, high-quality forages, and both housing and high temperature can reduce 
feed intakes. Dry matter intake (DMI, kg per day) of the growing yak under indoor feeding can be 
estimated as DMI = 0.0165 W + 0.0486 (W is body weight in kilograms), and that of the lactating 
yak as DMI = 0.008W0.52 + 1.369Y (W0.52 is metabolic body weight, Y is milk yield, kg per day).
Ruminal digestion and metabolism
The rumen of the yak is far smaller than that of other cattle. Outflow rate of rumen fluid ranges 
from 3.1 to 3.5 litre per hour, hence lower than in cattle. The outflow rate of digesta from the yak 
rumen stays comparatively constant, ranging from 11.5 percent to 14.9 percent per hour. Total 
volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in the yak rumen increases with the animal's age. The 
proportions of propionic acid and butyric acid to total VFA in the yak are higher than those in other 
ruminants.
The concentration of NH3-N in the yak rumen varies with the diet composition and feeding 
behaviour. Mature forages can promote lower NH3-N concentrations in grazing yak than can young 
forages. Both feed type and feeding behaviour affect degradability of dietary nutrients in the yak 
rumen.
Energy nutrition
Lactating yak cows have better utilization of dietary energy than dry yak cows when they are given 
oat hay at the same level under indoor feeding conditions. An increased feeding level leads to the 
decreased digestibility of dietary energy in dry cows. The thermoneutral zone of the growing yak is 
estimated as 8° - 14°C. The fasting heat production (FHP) of the growing yak can be estimated as 
FHP = 916 kJ per kgW0.52 per day. The metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance (MEm) 
in growing yak is around 460 kJ per kg W0.75 per day. Metabolizable energy requirement in the 
growing yak can be estimated as: ME (MJ per day)=0.45W0.75 + (8.73 + 0.091 W) DG (DG is kg 
per day).
Protein nutrition
There is no difference in the digestibility of dietary nitrogen between lactating and dry cows. A 
relatively lower excretion of endogenous urinary nitrogen in yak suggests the possibility that the 
animal has evolved a mechanism to recycle more nitrogen to the rumen than ordinary cattle.
Yak can use non-protein nitrogen as efficiently as other ruminants. The endogenous purine 
derivative excretion in the yak is only 40 percent of that in cattle but is similar to that in buffaloes. 
The value of creatinine excretion for the yak when fasting is much lower than for buffaloes and 
cattle. Rumen degradable crude protein requirement for maintenance (RDCPm, g per day) in 
growing yak is around 6.09W0.52 g per day. The crude protein requirements for daily gain (DG 
RDCPg g per day) in growing yak can be estimated as RDCPg = (1.16/DG + 0.05/W0.52)-1. Thus 
the total crude protein requirement of growing yak could be calculated as RDCP (g per day) = 
6.09W0.52 + (1.16/DG + 0.05/W0.52)-1.
Mineral nutrition
Mineral nutrition is poorly documented. But the existing information suggests that mineral 
deficiencies may occur, varying from one yak-raising area to another. 
Seasonal deficiency of specific elements could be a common issue throughout the Plateau owing to 
an uneven seasonal supply of feeds. Mineral and trace element deficiencies can cause some 
problems to yak, but appropriate supplementation will generally improve the conditions.
Feeding
Forages on natural grassland are in surplus in summer but deficient in winter under the traditional 
grazing system. The nutritional status of yak can be improved by ensuring adequate protein intake 
in summer - but yak suffer deficiency of crude-protein and of energy from grass in winter. The use 
of feed supplements seems vital if the productive and reproductive potentials of grazing yak cows 
on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are to be developed. Concentrate and urea block supplements are 
effective in improving the productivity of grazing yak and maintaining the body weight of animals 
in winter.
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