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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2019 - Jun 30, 2020


Success StorySaving the Yak - Developing AI techniques to Expand the Gene Pool



Saving the Yak - Developing AI techniques to Expand the Gene Pool

Author: Leslie Anderson

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Beef

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique domestic animal. These animals were developed in the extreme environment of the Himalayas, where food resources can be extremely limiting. The yak provides food (meat and milk), fiber (hair), and are beasts of burden (used for pack, transportation, plowing, etc.) for the local populations. The number of yaks in the world is limited (less than 15,000 world-wide), creating a need to understand methods to expand the gene pool of these animals. The most efficient method is to use artificial insemination but methodologies for the collection and processing of semen, synchronization of estrus, and AI yaks in the US is limited. We worked with a yak farm in Menifee County to develop methods to collect and freeze yak semen and created novel methods to synchronize estrus in yak females. Artifical insemination rates are still low (<40% conception rate) but are improving. By using these techniques, we improve the sustainability of yak production.






Stories by Leslie Anderson


Application of Beef Management Protocols Dramatically Increase Productivity

about 5 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Ke... Read More


Funding Received to Develop New Beef Extension App

about 5 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Funding was received by the UK Beef IRM Team to develop a new web/app interface to improve the commu... Read More


Stories by Animal and Food Sciences


Development and delivery of training for ANR agents related to alternatives to distillers’ grains in beef cattle diets.

Development and delivery of training for ANR agents related to alternatives to distillers’ grains in beef cattle diets.

about 5 years ago by Katherine VanValin

In response to the shutdown resulting from the spread of COVID-19, the team of Beef extension specia... Read More


Post Weaning Value-Added Program – Feedlot (PVAP-FEEDLOT)

Post Weaning Value-Added Program – Feedlot (PVAP-FEEDLOT)

about 5 years ago by Kevin Laurent

Post Weaning Value-Added Program – Feedlot (PVAP-FEEDLOT)The Post Weaning Valued Added Program - Fee... Read More