Yak, a heat-sensitive animal native to the Trans-Himalayan region, thrives in cold high-altitude climates. However, the warming effects of climate change are increasingly impacting its natural habitat, posing challenges to health and productivity. To address these issues and support a shift from traditional transhumant yak rearing to semi-intensive management systems, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has designed and evaluated innovative shelter models for yaks in high-altitude regions.
Under the semi-intensive model, yaks are maintained in open paddocks with access to grazing areas, drinking water, and protective shelters. As part of this initiative, two types of shelters were developed and tested in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh one with a shade-net roof and the other with a Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) roof. Their effectiveness in mitigating heat stress during the summer months (April–June) was assessed.
A total of 13 yaks were monitored under CCTV surveillance over three months to evaluate shelter use and behavioural preferences. Findings indicated a clear preference for the FRP-roofed shelter, particularly during the morning and night hours, while the shade-net shelter was mostly used during the day. Yaks frequently opted for natural tree shade around noon, coinciding with grazing activity.
Microclimatic observations revealed that both shelter types significantly reduced solar radiation intensity. At midday, radiation levels dropped from 824.50±192.56 W/m² (outside) to 239.25±64.33 W/m² in shade-net shelters and just 28.00±3.67 W/m² in FRP shelters. Importantly, the ambient temperature inside FRP shelters remained within the yak’s thermal comfort zone (>15°C), though Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) values above 52 indicated mild stress during peak hours (9 AM–3 PM).
The study demonstrated that shelters play a crucial role in protecting yaks from environmental stress during summer under semi-intensive rearing conditions. The FRP-roofed model, in particular, emerged as the more effective option, offering better thermal comfort and supporting animal welfare, productivity, and sustainable yak management in high-altitude regions.
(Source: ICAR- National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh)
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