Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Yak?
A1: The wild Yak is an extremely nimble bison/ox-like animal in its mountainous terrain despite its impressive size. It is so well adapted to colder climates that it would not survive in milder conditions.
Q2: Where does the Yak live?
A2: The Yak lives predominantly in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, which is the most extensive high-elevation grazing region in Asia. Domestication of the Yak has led to progress and prosperity for inhabitants due to the value of Yak milk, hair, hides and meat, as well as the availability of its dung as a fertilizer for crops and plants. The Yak trade has made life possible for man in one of the world's harshest environments. In purely pastoral areas, where cultivated agriculture is not possible, Yak trade has allowed people to subsist and in many areas, to live quite well. Trade of Yak products is the only way of capital accumulation for natives in these less developed regions.
Q3: Why is Yak milk expensive?
A3: Milk yield of Yak is extremely low relative to other types of cattle as the amount of milk produced is only during pregnancy and just sufficient to rear its calf, justifying the price premium on Yak milk.
Q4: Why is Yak milk different from conventional milk?
A4: The following results are verified by PSB Corporation of Singapore:
Tests | Snow Boat Yak Powdered Milk | |
Calcium | ppm (mg/kg) | 12880 |
Iron | ppm (mg/kg) | 3.90 |
Potassium | ppm (mg/kg) | 8592 |
Magnesium | ppm (mg/kg) | 904 |
Phosphorus | ppm (mg/kg) | 8517 |
Zinc | ppm (mg/kg) | 46 |
Copper | ppm (mg/kg) | 0.35 |
Manganese | ppm (mg/kg) | 1.0 |
Selenium | ppm (mg/kg) | 0.18 |
Q5: What determines the quality and quantity of Yak milk?
A5: Growth and development of Yak is influenced by seasons, along with location, which determines pasture growth and hence, the feed supply. Thus, its nutritional state differs seasonally as the supply of supplementary feeds is varied and limited. The breed of Yak and herd management are also among other variants of milk production. The month of milking is also an important variable for milk production. For example, Yak that calved in April produced 360kg of milk as compared to a Yak that calved in June, producing a mere 150kg. The Yak also produces less milk when the ambient temperature is too high, especially when this is associated with strong solar radiation and a lack of wind on a clear day. Conversely, more milk is produced during cloudy or rainy conditions. Improvements to increase milk production include changes to breeding practices, herd management and methods of feeding, optimized by herd structure and provision of proper shelter.
Q6: Is the Yak milk certified HALAL for the Muslim market?
A6: Absolutely. We are happy to announce that our Yak milk is also certified Halal by the Sichuan Islamic Association. To view the official Halal certification, please click here.
Q7: What form does the Yak milk take?
A7: Our Yak milk is offered as powdered form with storage choices between tins and sachets for convenient consumption.
Q8: Who is Yak milk consumption suitable for?
A8: Yak milk is suitable for ages 1 and above, and those who wish to improve their immune system and health.