
Southern California Tibetan Yaks
YAK FACTS
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Tibetan Yaks are in the Bovine family just like standard cattle. Some features that differentiate them are their broad shoulders, shaggy hair, long horse-like tails, and large handlebar-type horns.
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Yaks originate from the Himalayas and can climb over 20,000 feet in altitude. They have rounded, cloven hooves and strong legs that help them climb steep rocky slopes.
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Yak have lungs 3x larger than average cattle to help them do well in high altitudes.
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In Tibet, a “Yak” is a male and a “Nak” is a female. In English, yak is used for both sexes.
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Yaks make low grunting sounds, unlike a cow's Moo.
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Males can reach over 6 feet tall and 1200lbs, whereas females are about 1/3 the size.
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Yaks come in different colors such as Imperial (all black), Native (black with light nose), Trim (white star on the forelock), and Royal (black and white).
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Yaks are used for meat, packing (in Tibet they are known as the boats of the plateau), meat, cheese, and fiber production.


Harriett

Amala
