FAQS Yaks , Bos grunniens , a member of the bovine family, were domesticated in Tibet during the first millennium, B.C., and today, more than 12 million of them can be found in five Himalayan countries where they inhabit steppes of 15,000 feet. Their respiratory rate increases with heat and low altitudes, decreases at higher, cooler climates to help them adjust. With their horse-like tail and long skirts, these hardy animals require no special permits, and are compatible with existing agricultural operations. Uses include breeding stock, cross-breeding stock, pack and draught animals, wool, hide, milk and meat production.
Yaks are very easy to fence, requiring no special consideration.
They are content in a small area and mix well with other livestock. They are very efficient food-converting animals and eat about half of what an average beef animal does. They are browsers and grazers and do well on a variety of pastures with no supplemental feed required. A mineral block and that is it. A mature yak can do well on as little as 6-10 pounds of grass hay per day.