Theme 3-2: Livestock Production Systems--Poster Sessions
Description
After a decline in yak populations in Central Asia, efforts have been made for several years to rebuild them. In that context, the ecological demands of the alpine landscape must be taken into account. The aim of the studies was to analyse the behaviour of yak cows in short time intervals and to deduce which sub-areas the yaks prefer more or less strongly, which altitudes in the mountains the animals visit in the course of a year, which distances they cover in summer and winter and which factors influence their grazing behaviour. The investigations were carried out on yaks in eastern Kyrgyzstan, Tian Shan Mountains. In three experimental years, 12 Yak cows were equipped with GPS receivers. The positions of the animals on the pastureland were recorded in an interval of 15 minutes. On this basis the home range as well as the walked distances, whereabouts and times (preferences) could be determined. The behaviour of the yaks depends on various factors, which are mainly related to the large grazing area: the variation in the yield of pasture, the different geographical conditions and the seasonal weather conditions. The investigations showed that the behaviour of the animals is strongly influenced by the seasons. This refers to the use of areas and altitudes as well as to movement behaviour. It was found that certain pastures are permanently more frequented than others are. The locomotion of the yaks is more pronounced in winter than in summer. This is because in winter the animals have to go long distances in search of food. Detailed knowledge of yak behaviour can help to improve pasture management in the high alpine region in order to use natural resources sustainably.
Included in
Pasture Management Relevant Behaviour of Yaks (Bosgrunniens)
After a decline in yak populations in Central Asia, efforts have been made for several years to rebuild them. In that context, the ecological demands of the alpine landscape must be taken into account. The aim of the studies was to analyse the behaviour of yak cows in short time intervals and to deduce which sub-areas the yaks prefer more or less strongly, which altitudes in the mountains the animals visit in the course of a year, which distances they cover in summer and winter and which factors influence their grazing behaviour. The investigations were carried out on yaks in eastern Kyrgyzstan, Tian Shan Mountains. In three experimental years, 12 Yak cows were equipped with GPS receivers. The positions of the animals on the pastureland were recorded in an interval of 15 minutes. On this basis the home range as well as the walked distances, whereabouts and times (preferences) could be determined. The behaviour of the yaks depends on various factors, which are mainly related to the large grazing area: the variation in the yield of pasture, the different geographical conditions and the seasonal weather conditions. The investigations showed that the behaviour of the animals is strongly influenced by the seasons. This refers to the use of areas and altitudes as well as to movement behaviour. It was found that certain pastures are permanently more frequented than others are. The locomotion of the yaks is more pronounced in winter than in summer. This is because in winter the animals have to go long distances in search of food. Detailed knowledge of yak behaviour can help to improve pasture management in the high alpine region in order to use natural resources sustainably.
