Yak has started naturalized in Tibet 3000 years ago, later in Mongolia around 17th century.
Researchers has proven that when Buddhism has approached in Mongolia, yak milk products
also became main usage for Buddhism offering. Most of the Buddhism offerings made by rich
and fat milk products of yak such as milk cream, butter to make a Diya / light / and offering
called Balin made by fat of yak cream etc.
The ancestors of modern Yak still live in Tibet Mountain nowadays. Because of all those wild
yaks the area where they live called ‘Mother of wealth’, also the City of Lash' has yak shaped
crafts in the streets and paintings on the walls a lot.
Overall all there are 13 provinces and 132 soum contain 876600 head yaks in Mongolia,
especially in the area of Arkhangai, Uvurkhangai, Khuvsgul, Zavkhan, Bayankhongor spread the
most.
Yak has one more rib and vertebral column than regular cow. Their fat contains ‘A’ acid which
creates carotene, saturated and unsaturated fat's deals are 1:1, and storage capability is
stronger than regular cow. Milk fat contains 7.2% out of 1 liter, 5.3% of protein, 5.2% of sugar,
and milk fat became thicker up to 9-12% late in September which is the richest among all the
livestock in Mongolia.
Yak has unique capacity in cold but not in hot temperatures. Their thick hairy skin has many
specialties to protect from sun heat, heavy snow, and capable for sleeping on rocks. Yaks
always tongue out when they walk faster or run in order to control their heating system properly.
Earlier nomads never used Yak on harness but carrying items on their back when nomads
move in distance. Cause yak harness effects to their long life and breathing system badly. Crest
of the yak is taller, back last part is shorter, chest is deep, hoof is smaller, reliability proves them
that they are mountain animal. When Yak is in rut they hike upon the high mountains and go
alone in wild that moment called *Yak Doshikh*. There is a saying that even wolves get scared
when yak is in rut.
There is a different name for different mixture of yaks. Bull and Yak mixed Khainag called
‘Naran Khainag’, the opposite version called ‘Saran Khainag’, and Khainag and yak mix called
Ortoom. Along in any travel program in central to north Mongolia, travelers meet with yaks by
the side of the ride or outside of nomad families home to experience milking the yaks and
making milk products even taste it. After dinner having a cup of fresh yak yogurt will be the great
dessert for anyone.
