Cattle-Yak Ranch

Yak Ranching

Introduction

Yaks? . . . . The idea of Yak ranching is usually followed by "YIKES!" However, after you spend a little time with us and learn about Yak ranching, you will find that this idea has many positive aspects, both commercially and environmentally. Yaks simply are easy animals to care for which can help you take better care of your natural resources, relieve first-calf heifer management, and provide you delicious results in your diet.

Simple Care

Unlike buffalo, Yak require only conventional pasture fencing and working facilities commonly provided for domestic cattle. While Yak as a rule may not be as tame as beef replacement heifers or your favorite mother cow, they do not cause excessive concern in herding and handling. Our operation has routinely used cattle facilities-- even older, weaker facilities-for handling Yak. Because these animals are less domesticated than cattle, they do not enjoy being handled. Nonetheless, Yak will process in a predictable manner given experienced management.

Relieving First-calf Heifer Management

Almost every cow-calf operator we know will tell a tale of late-night calving of first-calf heifers, often

filled with visits from the veterinarian and much difficulty in delivering that first calf. Furthermore, these same operators will tell tales of first-calf heifers not wanting to "mother" their first calf without intense management and sometimes heavy persuasion. Breeding first-calf heifers with Yak bulls provide a series of solutions for this level of management. With adequate conception rates, Yak-heifer breeding can literally turn your operation around by relieving enormous time and effort spent with heifers.

The first and primary benefit to first-calf heifers is the smaller-framed hybrid calf at birth. The frame of this hybrid calf hits the ground at only 45 to 50 pounds. This provides the obvious benefit if reduced dystocia (calving problems), especially in smaller heifers. The first conclusion many people jump to is that this small calf will be weaker and less likely to survive. Just the opposite is true. The halfblood calves we have raised have hit the ground MORE vigorous, with a much STRONGER drive for colostrum, equipped with SUPERIOR resistance to pathogens, and an INCREASED ability to thrive in the cold. In fact, one of our most interesting stories was during a snowy, cold spring morning in April when we found the halfblood calves romping and playing in the snow while their Angus mothers were hid out in the calving shed!! We have yet to assist with a single crossbred calving in a first-calf heifer. All of this is consistent with "hybrid vigor" and is the essence of the advantage of breeding first calf heifers with Yak bulls.

The benefits of the crossbred calf continue throughout their time with their mother, through the remainder of their life. Reduced dystocia for the mother increases her breed-back potential. The feed efficiency of the crossbred calf is recognized immediately. During several recent consecutive droughty summers, these crossbred calves surpassed their beef cousins to reach market weight in a shorter period of time. Furthermore, the vigor of these calves provided the drive to "rob" milk from other females in the pasture, to begin converting grass to flesh at a younger age, and to generally require less support from their mother. While most first calf heifers are going through the loss of their deciduous teeth while raising their first calf, these crossbred calves pulled less from their mothers so that she did not lose body condition and consequently had better breed-back.

Feed Efficiency, Less Natural Resources

Our experience with Yak has proven superior feed efficiency to domesticated cattle. Yak generally will take 1/3 less feed and forage than commercial cattle to maintain body condition, breed back, and raise their calves. Where Yak really shine is during cold, harsh winters. Due to their Tibetan, high altitude origin, Yak can withstand extremely cold temperatures. Their heavier, denser hair coat, their advanced vascular system, and their superior feed efficiency help them exist and thrive in cold, harsh conditions. We have observed their calves romping and playing when their beef counterpart is shivering during a very cold spring morning.
Feed efficiency, obviously, is a year-round benefit. Yak are much easier on summer grass, even in dry conditions. While Yak fertility is likely reduced during extremely high temperature and humidity conditions, Yak thrive year-round. Their crossbred calves are VERY growthy and will often out-perform their beef counterparts in the same pasture. We do not intend to give anyone the idea that Yak will perform without feed or fodder. We only want to point out that it takes less feed, pound for pound, for Yak than their beef counterpart.

During several past droughty summers, we observed our Yak to never indicate loss of body condition as so many beef did. Given normal rainfall in our area in Colorado and normal stocking rates, the summer grass will outgrow the Yak consumption rate.