| In the Himalayas, domesticated yak is fed at an altitudinal range of 3,000 to 5,000m. Below this zone, the cow is more common. Hybrids are fed at an intermediate zone. In order to analyze the genetic basis of milk protein variation, milk samples were taken from the nak (female yak), cow and their hybrid. By principle component analysis, yak and a highland type of cow (kirmcome) were clearly distinguished from midland (shakzam) and lowland (palang) cows. Local Sherpa people may produce suitable animals for each zone by controlling animal reproduction systems. Generally speaking, a sustainable stocking rate is two adult animals per hectare in the central Himalayas. However, most pastures were overgrazed 3 to 10 times more than this level. The feedstuff... |
