A Yak in My Classroom

By Sandra Mathison, DVM

PART TWO
When I researched Yaks, I repeatedly found references to how easy they are to raise. They are disease and parasite resistant. They never have calving issues. You don’t need any special fencing. And so on. Ha! So, what is the reality?

Yaks do get parasite issues. They can get sick, often from things that don’t affect the beef much but can be fatal to yaks. They tend to be copper deficient in many regions. I have found them to be more susceptible to some poison plants or just poor silage and hay – sometimes losing a handful of animals at a time. Sometimes they just slowly fade away for no obvious reason.

They usually calve without issues, but there can be large calves or those which try to exit the wrong way (malposition) and they need help. They can be more protective of their babies, especially if they don’t know or trust you. I never turn my back on them. They are by nature, bullies to other animals and people if they can get away with it. They love to terrorize new humans in their field just for the fun of it – even if they mean no harm. (They probably sit around afterwards laughing about it.) A frightened yak is more likely to run over you vs. run around you if feeling cornered. And they have horns.

On the bright side, they don’t eat nearly as much as beef. Their tiny hooves have less impact on sensitive ground. They are playful and delightful. When they run, their large tongues hang out on the side of their mouths, and they flip their fluffy horse tails up over their backs. They can be very friendly and are relatively easy to train.

This story is not to frighten you away from raising yaks. This is what I learned after I raised them for a while. Granted, I did a great deal of research before I made the decision to buy them, but there was so much we did not know and still much to learn about them. I had a knowledgeable mentor and yet there was a learning curve for both of us.

The point is, regardless of whatever type of animal you are considering raising:

Do your research. A lot of it.

• Keep reading and take advantage of educational opportunities.

• Find an experienced person who is willing to guide you.

• Connect and share with the community of people raising the same animals. A warning though. Be wary of those who have an answer for everything but have little experience or education on the matter. I quit participating in many Facebook groups because of the large amount of bad advice floating around from a few people who shouldn’t be giving it.

• Find a good vet with experience in your species/breed.

• Accept that there will be a learning curve and don’t beat yourself up if you have problems, make mistakes, or lose animals.

As for the yaks, I have learned a great deal and really enjoy them. They make me laugh and the world needs more of that.

In Part 3, we will explore the preparation required before bringing animals to the farm.