YAK BREEDING TECHNOLOGY

Research on Nutritional Regulation and Reproductive Efficiency Improvement in Yaks

  • ZHAO Ping ,
  • NIE Wei ,
  • CHAI Shatuo
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  • 1. Yiwen Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station,Yinan County,Linyi Shandong 276300;
    2. Yinan County Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center,Linyi Shandong 276300;
    3. Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine,Qinghai University,Xining Qinghai 810000

Online published: 2026-08-19

Abstract

Low reproductive efficiency in yaks (characterized by low estrus rates and prolonged calving intervals) severely constrains the stable milk supply for the yak dairy industry. This paper reviews recent advances in nutritional regulation strategies to enhance reproductive performance in yaks. Precision supplementation during the peripartum period effectively alleviates negative energy balance,increasing estrus rates from below 25% to over 70% and improving calf survival rates by 20%. Diets with optimal energy-to-nitrogen ratios optimize rumen fermentation and provide a metabolic foundation for follicular development. Trace elements such as selenium,zinc,and copper improve oocyte quality and embryo survival through antioxidant and hormone synthesis pathways. Functional additives,including probiotics and plant extracts,exert targeted regulatory effects on reproductive hormone secretion. When combined with seasonal supplementation and group-specific precision feeding,calving intervals can be shortened to within 12 months. Future efforts should focus on developing intelligent individual feeding technologies to facilitate the transition of high-altitude yak farming toward precision management,thereby supporting quality and efficiency improvements in the yak dairy industry.

Cite this article

ZHAO Ping , NIE Wei , CHAI Shatuo . Research on Nutritional Regulation and Reproductive Efficiency Improvement in Yaks[J]. China Dairy, 2026 , 0(7) : 63 -69 . DOI: 10.12377/1671-4393.26.07.09

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