The yak is a various species , providing its keeper with meat , fiber and milk , and with preparation , can also act as a gifted draft animal . Although prevent likewise to cattle , there are a few key difference you require to keep in judgment before adding one to your farm . Here ’s what you need to bed .
1 . Yaks live on Longer Than CattleWhile chatter can generally be manage like cattle , they live longer — up to 30 years — and have slower emergence rates . They ’re also both browsers and grazers , while oxen are grazing - focused with minimal to no browsing .
2 . chatter Need ShelterYaks have evolved to do by extreme environmental stipulation , such as down temperatures and high elevation , but they can thrive in more temperate region with proper care and management . In lovesome regions , an unfastened overhead nicety will improve the comfort of the animal . In cooler area , a shelter with two or more sides is adequate for endure cold , wet and windy weather . shelter also ameliorate provender conversion and fibre production .
3 . Yaks bring forth Quality Fiber — But It Takes WorkYou can harvest tone fibre from cackle by implementing an aggressive pasture management programme , including removing burr - ridden invasive plants and increasing grease drain . Diet management is full of life to a fiber harvest home , too — unequal protein in the diet will have a negatively charged impact on the fiber soundness , result in increased frangibleness and interruption , which causes the fibers to vilipend in economic value .
4 . chatter Need a Manure Management PlanManure management is often overlooked in yak husbandry . Proper pen and shelter design is essential for easy manure removal , and advanced planning for compost or manure garbage disposal will forestall future crisis management .
5 . yakety-yak require a Quality DietYak nutritional direction is similar to that of most other ruminants : respectable - quality hay , a sportsmanlike source of water , and a Bos taurus vitamin and mineral mix will suffice most of the time , while cattle growing or finish ration will increase meat and milk yield . For stocking rates , around three yakety-yak are equal to one beef cow , and feed intake must be properly make do to reduce overweening free weight increase on both idle and workings yaks .
6 . yak Are Prone to Cattle DiseasesYaks are generally susceptible to most common cattle diseases . Each region of the country has specific endemic diseases , and a few diseases are prevalent nationwide . yak can also be challenge by internal and external parasites , so working out a health - management program with your local large - animal practician or telephone extension specialist is advocate .
I loosely categorize vaccination broadcast into several canonical purpose : to protect individual fauna health , the creature ’s breeding status , overall herd health , and against zoonotic disease , which are transmitted from animal to man . I favor to tailor all my vaccine programs to fit the needs of the individual direction program , the use of the animal , and disease preponderance in the quick area : A chatter cow used for genteelness will involve a unlike inoculation protocol than a working Bos grunniens . However , I routinely recommend thevaccine . It fall into the item-by-item animal protection category ; it ’s not a contagious disease .
7 . Yaks are Good - NaturedYaks are enjoyable brute to work with . Quality genetics are the foundation to good temperament , as are positive and patient handling and safe farming practices . In my experience , the chatter - oxen crossbreed tend to fall behind the gentle temperament . With any bovine , the untested you start working the creature and the more consistent the training , the gentler they ’ll become . With patience and persistence , you could prepare a yak for any task , even go up foot for hoof trimming . To check your yak to work , I highly indicate studying the rudiments of oxen or workings cattle . The net has many resources , butOxen : A Teamster ’s Guide to Raising , Training , Driving and Showing(Storey Publishing , 2008 ) by Drew Conroy is one of the skilful .
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