Category: Herd Health

Trace Mineral Study

By: Gregor Dike Three years ago there was significant discussion among yak breeders concerning proper copper trace mineral levels. The discussion was the result of a number of breeders having yaks become significantly ill/die without an obvious cause. The problem with linking trace mineral levels to yak health was that there had been no studies… Continue reading Trace Mineral Study

Hybrid Yak Fertility

By Greg Dike About six months ago I saw an advertisement for a white hybrid yak bull calf. He was beautiful. I I was interested in obtaining a white yak hybrid to start the process to backcross up to a scientifically based white yak – one with eight or less cattle alleles under the GeneSeek… Continue reading Hybrid Yak Fertility

Could My Cow Have Cancer?

Could My Yak Have Cancer? Michelle Arnold, DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL and US YAKS Science and Herd Health Committee) and JD Green, PhD (Extension Professor, Weed Scientist), UK Plant and Soil Sciences Department) Malignant Lymphosarcoma is the most common neoplastic (cancerous) disease identified in cattle slaughtered in the United States and largest single reason… Continue reading Could My Cow Have Cancer?

Parasites in my Yak? Time to Start Planning your 2019 Health Care Plan

By Greg Dike My yaks look healthy so they must not have a parasite problem….wrong…. according to Dr. James Strickland, University of Georgia Extension Veterinarian. Dr. Strickland, in an April 1, 2010 article in BeefVet stated: “It is estimated that annual parasite-related losses to the livestock industry total more than $100 million. But because most… Continue reading Parasites in my Yak? Time to Start Planning your 2019 Health Care Plan