Yak History

Present day domestic yak are part of the bovine family, which also contains everyday domestic cattle, and are called Bos Grunniens. They are descended from wild yak caught that were crossbred with domestic cattle and tamed by ancient people of the Himalaya Mountains of Asia. The history of Asia's yak industry is at least 5000 years old. Because of the yaks value as a beast of burden and its products of extremely rich milk, valuable wool and hair, hides, horns, and incomparable quality of meat, the taming of yak led to progress, prosperity and economic development.

The people of Tibet, as well as in other areas of Asia, are virtually totally dependant on their yak heards. And like the native Americans and the bison, these indigenous peoples utilize the animal to its fullest. The hair is used for spinning, weaving and felting as well as to produce ropes and rugs. The milk is fully utilized for its dairy potential used as milk, yogurt, and butter and yak meat is a main staple of their diet. The horns, hides, and bones are also utilized, in fact, even the yak dung is used as it is burned for fuel.

Yak were first imported to North America in the late 1920's, however, close to 100 years later, there are still only a few thousand animals in America today. To the people that raise them, yaks offer not only economic opportunity, but a source of pleasure and enjoyment.