Sikkimese yak: Characterization of a yak population in Peril

Abstract

Yak population of Sikkim currently stands at 5,219 heads and is reared by the nomadic pastoral community called Dokpa. This population has not been characterized till date and further, if not conserved, this valuable germplasm may become unavailable for utilization. In an attempt to address this issue, a survey was conducted in order to enable phenotypic characterization of the population and to judge its eligibility as a distinct breed. Sikkimese yaks generally have black body coat with broad convex head and upward pointing curved horns and are reared in a typical transhumant fashion. The daily milk yield in the animals averages around 1.44±0.09 kg with peak yield of 1.95±0.15 kg and lactation length of seven (6.77±0.39) months. Average age at first mating and first calving in females is 42.60±0.92 and 51.55±0.93 months, respectively whereas average age at first mating in bulls is 47.82±0.37 months. These animals can work for 5.5 h per day and are extremely tolerant to cold and drought conditions. Due to the pastoral nature of this occupation, winter feed crisis, climate change events and unscientific husbandry practices threaten the existence of this unique population. Hence, characterization and registration of yak population would be the first step for conservation and sustainability of this unique germplasm.