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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, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024


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


Emerging Technologies for Use in Beef Cattle Production

about 1 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Several technologies have been developed for the livestock industry over the last decade. One of the... Read More


Product-Market-Fit and Beef Production

about 1 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Product-Market-Fit is a term used in business to describe the importance of producing a product that... Read More


Stories by Animal and Food Sciences


Advanced Post Weaning Value-Added Program (PVAP)

Advanced Post Weaning Value-Added Program (PVAP)

about a year ago by Kevin Laurent

Unweaned bawling calves are at high risk for increased mortality and morbidity when shipped from the... Read More


4-H Equine Task Force

4-H Equine Task Force

about 1 years ago by Mary Jane Little

4-H is one of the leading youth clubs across the United States and Canada. 4-H is the most highly re... Read More