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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

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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




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026


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.