The uniqueness and superiority of energy utilization in yaks compared with cattle in the highlands: A review

• Published in: Animal Nutrition Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 138 - 144
• Main Authors: Liu, Xiaojing, Gao, Jian, Liu, Suozhu, Cheng, Yanfen, Hao, Lizhuang, Liu, Shujie, Zhu, Weiyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Elsevier B.V 01.03.2023; Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition,Nanjing Agricultural University,Nanjing 210095,China%College of Animal Science,Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University,Linzhi 860000,China%Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province,State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture,Qinghai Plateau Yak Research Center,Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Qinghai University,Xining 810016,China; KeAi Publishing; KeAi Communications Co., Ltd
• Subjects: Energy metabolism; Energy utilization; Fibrous feed; Review; Yak; Energy metabolism; Energy utilization; Yak; Fibrous feed
• ISSN: 2405-6545; 2405-6383
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.09.011

Yaks living on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau for a long time have evolved a series of mechanisms to adapt to the unique geographical environment and climate characteristics of the plateau. Compared with other ruminants, yaks have higher energy utilization and metabolic efficiency. This paper presents possible mechanisms responsible for the efficient energy utilization, absorption and metabolism resulting from the unique evolutionary process of yaks. It is hoped that the information discussed in this review will give a better insight into the uniqueness and superiority of yaks in regards to energy metabolism and utilization compared with cattle and open new avenues for the targeted regulation of energy utilization pathways of other ruminants. •Physiological adaptation helps yaks acquire energy more effectively.•The unique rumen microbial structure makes yaks produce more energy than cattle.•Yaks absorb energy more effectively by up-regulating nutrient transporters.•Yaks have less energy requirement for the maintenance compared with cattle.