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.
Keywords: Energy metabolism; Energy utilization; Fibrous feed; Yak.
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