The wild yak, considered to be an endangered species, is a
massive animal, blanketed with a thick coat of long, blackish-brown hair. The
males, which are larger than the females, may be more than 2 m (more than 6.6
ft) high at the shoulder and weigh up to 1000 kg (up to 2200 lb). The back of
the yak is humped at the shoulders. The horns are long and spread outward and
upward, and the tail is long-haired and bushy.
The domestic yak is of various colors, including red, brown,
black, and white, and of smaller size than the wild animal as a result of
crossbreeding with cattle. Yaks are valuable as beasts of burden. Their milk is
rich and yields excellent butter and curd, and the flesh, eaten roasted or
dried, is of high quality. The hair is spun into rope and woven into cloth, and
the hide is used for leather. Instead of lowing like an ox, the yak utters a
low, guttural sound; hence it is called the grunting cow, or grunting ox.
(Adapted from Encarta Encyclopedia)
