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Abstract: The yak (Bosgrunniens) is an important domesticated animal in the Himalayas, especially the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Yaks are known for their evil at low oxygen concentrations, high altitudes and low temperatures

author:Junior Science Popularization Officer

Summary:

The yak (Bos grunniens) is an important domesticated animal in the Himalayas, especially the Tibetan Plateau. Yaks are known for their unique ability to thrive in harsh environments with low oxygen concentrations, high altitudes, and low temperatures.

Yaks are an important source of meat, milk and fibre for the local population. The quality and quantity of yak products is directly related to the way of feeding and dietary energy. Feeding mode and dietary energy affect yak production performance and gastrointestinal bacterial diversity. This paper aims to explore the effects of feeding mode and dietary energy on yak production performance and rumen bacterial diversity.

First, the feeding method

Feeding methods are a key factor affecting yak performance. Traditional yak feeding methods include grazing on natural pastures. Natural pastures offer a variety of plant species, which are essential for the nutritional needs of yaks.

However, due to overgrazing and soil degradation, the quality and quantity of natural pastures are often low. Low-quality natural pastures lead to inadequate nutrient intake and poor performance. In recent years, supplemental feed methods have been increasingly used to improve yak nutritional intake and production performance.

The supplementary feed method involves providing additional feed to yaks in addition to grazing on natural pastures. Supplementary feeding methods include pen feeding, portioned bring-your-fed and mixed feeding. Pen feeding involves restraining yaks to corrals and providing them with a diet consisting of concentrate and forage. Cutting and carrying feed consists of harvesting forage from natural pastures and feeding it to yaks in pens. Mixed feeding consists of a combination of grazing on natural pasture and provision of supplementary feed.

Second, dietary energy 

Dietary energy is a key factor affecting yak performance and rumen bacterial diversity. A yak's dietary energy requirements depend on several factors, including body weight, age, physiological state, and environmental conditions. The dietary energy needs of yaks are usually met by consuming feed, concentrates and supplements.

Feed is the main source of dietary energy for yaks. Forage includes natural pasture or forage harvested from natural pasture. The quality and quantity of pasture depends on plant species, soil fertility and climatic conditions. The nutritional value of pasture depends on its fiber, protein, and energy content. The fiber content of forage is essential for rumen function, while protein and energy content are essential for growth, milk production, and reproduction.

Concentrate is a high-energy feed source used to supplement feed and meet the dietary energy needs of yaks. Concentrated feed sources include cereals, oilseed meal and by-products of the food industry. The energy content of concentrate is higher than that of pasture, and it is often used to increase the dietary energy density of yaks and improve the production performance of yaks.

Supplements are used to provide yaks with additional nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. These supplements are often used to address nutrient deficiencies in feed or concentrate feed. The composition of the supplement depends on the nutritional needs of the yak, which may vary depending on the physiological state and environmental conditions.

Third, rumen bacterial diversity

Rumen bacterial diversity is a key factor affecting yak performance. Rumen bacterial diversity is essential for rumen function, nutrient utilization, and health maintenance. The rumen microflora consists of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and archaea. Bacteria are the richest and most diverse microbiota in the ruen. Bacteria are responsible for fiber degradation, protein synthesis, and the production of volatile fatty acids.

Rumen bacterial diversity is influenced by a variety of factors, including feeding methods, dietary energy, and environmental conditions. Feeding patterns and dietary energy affect nutrient availability and substrate utilization in the rumenis, thereby affecting the composition and activity of the rumen microflora. Environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, and oxygen concentration also affect the composition and activity of the rumen microflora.

However, other studies have reported that excess dietary energy may negatively affect the rumen bacterial diversity of yaks. Zhang et al. (2019) reported that feeding a high-energy diet significantly altered the composition of yak rumen microbiota. The authors observed a significant increase in lactic acid bacteria concentrations and a decrease in fibrodegrading bacteria concentrations. The authors attribute these changes to high concentrations of concentrated feed, which may select lactic acid bacteria and inhibit fibrolytic bacteria.

V. Conclusion

In summary, feeding mode and dietary energy are the key factors affecting yak production performance and gastrointestinal bacterial diversity. The optimal feeding method and dietary energy level of yaks may vary depending on physiological and environmental conditions. Further research into optimal feeding practices and dietary energy levels of yaks is needed to promote performance and rumen bacterial diversity while maintaining animal health and welfare.

Bibliography:

[1] Hu, L., Li, X., Zhang, Q., Li, X., & Zan, L. (2017). Effects of feeding systems on milk production, nutrient utilization and liver gene expression in lactating yaks. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(7), 5306-5315.

[2] Qi Zhang, Xiao Li, Xiao Hu, L., X., T., Guo, X., J., ...& Zan, L. (2018). Effects of different forage essence ratios on growth performance, rumen fermentation and microbial populations of yak young, Journal of Animal Sciences, 89(8), 1139-1148.

Xu Zhang, Yang, W., Qing Zhang, Xiao Huang, Meng, Q., Cai, Y., ...&Yang, F. (2019). Effects of dietary energy levels on growth performance, rumen fermentation and microbial communities of fattening yaks. Zoology, 9(12), 1088.

Abstract: The yak (Bosgrunniens) is an important domesticated animal in the Himalayas, especially the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Yaks are known for their evil at low oxygen concentrations, high altitudes and low temperatures
Abstract: The yak (Bosgrunniens) is an important domesticated animal in the Himalayas, especially the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Yaks are known for their evil at low oxygen concentrations, high altitudes and low temperatures
Abstract: The yak (Bosgrunniens) is an important domesticated animal in the Himalayas, especially the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Yaks are known for their evil at low oxygen concentrations, high altitudes and low temperatures

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