Xinjiang yak

Xinjiang yak

　　The Xinjiang yak is a dual-purpose breed used for meat, milk, labor, wool, and down. It thrives in the harsh natural conditions of alpine grasslands, showing strong adaptability, tolerance to coarse feed, and ease of management. Adult bulls have a carcass weight of 255 kg and a dressing percentage of 52.42%; two-year-old cows have a carcass weight of 153 kg and a dressing percentage of 47.96%. Their lactation yield exceeds 300 kg, with an annual wool production of 1.47 kg and down production of 0.51 kg. The meat and milk of the Xinjiang yak are flavorful and highly nutritious, classified as organic food. These yaks are primarily found in high-altitude areas of 2,400–4,000 meters, such as the Altun Mountains, Kunlun Mountains, and Pamir Plateau at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The main production area is the Bayinbuluke region of Hejing County. The total population in Xinjiang is 224,000, with an annual slaughter of 45,000.

　　Origin (or distribution): Distributed along the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains.

　　Population: In 1985, the population was 56,000.

　　Main characteristics: Coat colors are mainly black, brown, and gray, followed by black-and-white and red-and-white patterns. In the Hami region, solid black yaks are predominant, followed by gray and black-and-white. They have a thick, heavy head with a short, broad forehead. The withers are high, the chest is deep, and the limbs are thick and short. The body is covered with long hair, with long hair hanging down like a skirt on the underbelly, and a bushy tail. Adult bulls stand 123 cm tall and weigh 290 kg, while cows are 113 cm tall and weigh 210 kg. The dressing percentage generally ranges from 47–59%. Cows produce an average of 2.6 kg of milk per day, 1.3 kg of wool, and 0.4 kg of down. Bulls and cows are first bred between 2.5 and 3 years old. Breeding rates vary by region, ranging from about 37–97%, with a survival rate of over 90%.