Yak down

Yak down

　　   Yak down

　　   Yaks, known as the "boats of the plateau," are a unique bovine species native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and high-altitude grasslands of China. China has a history of domesticating yaks for over 3,000 years. There are currently more than 12 million yaks distributed across provinces such as Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, and Gansu, accounting for over 85% of the global yak population. The rest are found in Mongolia, the former Soviet Union, and Central Asia. Yaks are the mammals that live at the highest altitude in the world.

　　   Yaks are shorn once a year. Adult yaks produce an annual yield of 1.17–2.62 kg of hair, while young yaks produce 1.30–1.35 kg, with coarse hair and down each making up about half. Yak down is very fine, with a diameter of less than 20 micrometers and a length of 3.4–4.5 cm. It features irregular curls, tightly interlocked ring-shaped scales, soft luster, strong elasticity, and a smooth, velvety hand feel. Yak down is warmer and softer than regular wool, and in recent years has been used in the production of clothing. Common products include yak down sweaters, yak down fabrics, and yak down coats.