By Sandra Matheson, DVM
Yak are a hardy animal by nature. They originated in the high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountain Range. They had to survive harsh weather and steep terrain to live, eat, and bear their young. But take them out of their natural environment, and that hardiness may wane. Think of an African bush man who can thrive in his home territory. But take him out and put him in a nice apartment in New York City and you probably will have a wreck.
How long yaks have been domesticated is a subject of debate, but likely more than 4500 years ago. They were slowly acclimated to lower elevations and used for milk, meat, packing, and fiber. In the early 1900s, yaks were imported to the United States. Here, they have had to adapt to many different climates. They do not do well in the southern US or in tropical areas. They love the cold but fairly tolerate the heat in our northern summers. But just like the early Native Americans succumbing to “foreign” diseases when the settlers moved in, Yak are more susceptible to new conditions. I found they have a harder time with copper deficiency, some diseases, and parasites.
The moral of this story is that when you move animals to a new environment with new conditions, new herd mates, and new disease-causing organisms, there is a potential for new problems.
When I first researched yaks, I read and was told that they are parasite and disease-resistant, as well as extremely hardy. They are certainly harder than most species in harsh cold weather and often seem to like it. However, the disease and parasite department had some issues.
It comes down to doing the research for your species. To check for parasites/worms, you can collect fresh manure and have it evaluated. That way, you know if you have a parasite issue and which ones to treat for, and how often. Different classes of parasites need different treatments. Also, be aware if your anti-parasitical has a meat or milk withdrawal period. This means you usually must wait a certain number of days before you can consume the milk or butcher an animal for meat. This withdrawal period is true for antibiotics as well.
The key to knowing if your animal is sick or injured is observation. Watch your animals frequently to know what is normal. Observe their activity, appearance, posture, breathing, walking, eating, and social interactions. If you know what is normal, you will be able to identify when something is wrong quickly. I can scan the pasture and see if an animal looks “off.” Any deviations from normal, such as being away from the herd, limping, coughing, not eating, rough hair coat, laying down when others are up eating, standing in an odd position, etc., are clues that the animal must be checked.
Also, observe the environment. Are there any nails or sharp objects they might encounter? Are the fences intact after a windstorm, and is the water trough full and free of dead birds? These are just a few of the things to watch for.
Prevention is much better than trying to treat a sick animal. As discussed in a previous article, know what you should vaccinate for and supplement in your area. Remember to do hoof care, shearing, and/or grooming on a schedule. Also, consider how you will protect small ruminants and poultry from predators. Will you use secure fencing, livestock guardian dogs, or both? I recently lost my entire flock of laying hens to a mink that simply killed them and left them. If I raise poultry again, I will get a Livestock Guardian Dog.
Regardless of what species you raise, have the basic supplies you need to deal with common illnesses and minor injuries. There are many resources out there for animal first aid kits to have on hand. Not every illness or injury is something you can take care of yourself. But at least you will be ready for the simple things that you encounter on the farm.
Raising livestock is rewarding and challenging. As much as it can be difficult to manage it all, I can’t imagine not having them. I learned a great deal about beef cattle growing up on the farm. In vet school, I studied many species. However, the yaks were one of my greatest sources of learning. They were new to me (and most of the US) and came with a steep learning curve. The yaks were my classroom!
Whatever animals you decide to raise, do your research, get your facilities set up, and gather basic supplies before you ever bring them home.
I hope you have enjoyed this series: A Yak in My Classroom. May it help you prepare for your future farming adventure!
Sandra Mathison, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, is a lifelong farmer, educator, filmmaker, author, speaker, and retired veterinarian. She lives and ranches in Bellingham, Washington, where she runs a cow/calf operation and grass-fed beef and Yak business.
