Bottle Feeding the Yak Calf to Build the Bond
BY KATHY TAYLOR

There are times when bottle feeding a yak calf is an option and other times when it is necessary.

I would like to approach the idea of optional bottle feeding of the yak calf for bonding and training purposes. I have been successful in bottle feeding three young bulls from day 2. They are quite healthy.

Bottle feeding is one way of getting the yak babies attention for training. They will think of you as a yak. I am sure there are other proven methods for the same result.

At day 2, take the calf from the mother yak. By this time, the yak calf has received the required colostrum from the mother yak.

If dehorning the yak, do it now. Use the dehorning paste while the yak calf is still distressed from being taken from its mother. The calf will sleep a lot the first day.
Remember that dehorning the calf may be advantageous for the trainer/handler’s safety. BUT, the yak will be at a disadvantage for defense with other yaks.

To feed, start by using lamb milk replacer half strength with warm water and a human baby bottle. The holes in the end of the nipple may need to be enlarged slightly for more adequate milk flow. Also, always have milk replacer pellets and fresh water available. Replacer can be bought at your local coop or ranch feed store. Eight-ounce feedings should be given every four to five hours to begin with. Introduce the calf to milk replacer pellets during the feedings by putting a few in the mouth.

Put a halter on the calf. Let the calf follow you. This is an opportune time to start the halter training.

If the calf develops scours (diarrhea), go to your coop and get some medication in either tablet or liquid form and administer as directed or consult your vet. I used the tablet form, cutting the tablet in fourths or in half, depending on the weight of the calf. I found that the calf will chew the tablet if put in the mouth while the head is held in an upward fashion. Pushing the pill down the throat, can cause the calf to choke. I have had better luck with the calf not developing scours by using the lambs milk replacer half strength.

And as directed by your vet, use a seven-way vaccination. My vet suggested using a half strength shot at one week old and then again at one month old.

As the calf grows and develops more of an appetite, spread the feedings to four times a day, three times a day, and finally two times a day using larger calf bottles and increased amounts of lamb milk replacer. Calf bottles can be found at your local coop. Keeping in mind that hay, milk replacer pellets, and water should always be available. Encourage the calf to try the hay and the milk replacer pellets by putting a bit in the mouth each day.

Weaning the calf off of the bottle takes time. At about four to five months cut down the feedings and amounts gradually. The calf will supplement by eating more hay and milk replacer pellets.

When the calf bottle is not being used, the yak calf will want to suck your fingers, hands, and clothing. This may last anywhere from two to six weeks. Be patient.

While you are bottle-feeding, use a halter and tie up the calf. This will help to halter train the calf.

If your calves become jealous of each other due to your attention, they will start to butt heads. If this occurs, and is in your way, merely pull a little hair. This will get their attention to stop.

With tails raised and hopping with joy. Keep on yakking!

Kathy Taylor and Bob Taylor
At bigdaddytaylor@juno.com