Males are called Yak and the females Nak or Dri. The word Yak also represents the entire species.
Yak Facts
Yak Originations
"007", our first herd bull.
Yak are native to the Tibetan Plateau of the Himalayan Mountains
at elevations of 10,000 to 15,000 feet. They were first
domesticated about 5,000 years ago, and they continue to
serve a central role in the culture and livelihood of the
Tibetan people.
Yak in North America
Yak were imported to Europe from Asia in the mid 1800s. From Scotland and Germany, they moved on to Canada and the United States in the early 1900s. There are now about 3000 yak in North America.
Yak Appearance
John Hooper on Tashi, the first yak in North America trained for riding.
Yak are a unique breed, with a truly exotic and striking
appearance. They are noted for their dramatic horns, massive
buffalo-like hump, thick woolly coat, ankle-length skirt of hair,
and bushy horse-like tail. Coloring may be solid black,
trim (black with white markings on the head, feet or tail),
royal (black and white piebald), golden, golden royal (golden
and white piebald) or imperial (solid black with a black nose).
The sound they make is a grunting noise, not a moo or beller.
They are inquisitive, intelligent and quiet animals. The babies
tend to be quite playful and are fun to watch as they frolic
about with their bushy tails held high.
Yak Size
Adult females weigh from 600 to 700 pounds, and adult males weigh from 1200 to 1500 pounds. Calves generally weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. They reach their full adult size in six to eight years.
Yak Originations
"007", our first herd bull.
Yak in North America
Yak were imported to Europe from Asia in the mid 1800s. From Scotland and Germany, they moved on to Canada and the United States in the early 1900s. There are now about 3000 yak in North America.
Yak Appearance
John Hooper on Tashi, the first yak in North America trained for riding.
Yak Size
Adult females weigh from 600 to 700 pounds, and adult males weigh from 1200 to 1500 pounds. Calves generally weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. They reach their full adult size in six to eight years.
© 2009 Hoopers' Christmas Tree Ranch. All rights reserved.