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.
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