Productive and reproductive traits of yak types in Bhutan: Characteristics and comparisons

Abstract

The study characterized and compared productive and reproductive traits of genetically different types of yaks of eastern, central and western Bhutan. The mean daily milk yield, lactation length and lactation yield per cow were 1 kg, 234 days and 153 kg, respectively. The only reproductive traits that differed significantly amongst yak types were age at puberty and postpartum oestrus period. The yak of eastern Bhutan attained puberty earlier in less than 3 years compared with the yaks of central and western Bhutan but the postpartum oestrus period of yaks of eastern Bhutan was longer. Yaks of central and western Bhutan showed a postpartum oestrus period of about 150 days whereas it was close to 170 days for yaks of eastern Bhutan. Mean age at first calving for all yak types was 4-5 years with mean calving interval of approximately 1.3 years. Mean gestation period was about 256 days for all yak types. Mean heat interval was about 21 days and the number of services per conception was a little over 1.50. There is a need to introduce forage and nutrition development programmes to exploit fully the genetic potential of yaks, besides putting in place an appropriate breeding programme and adequate veterinary services.