Dzo

A dzo (Template:Langx) is a hybrid between the yak and domestic cattle. The word dzo technically refers to a male hybrid, while a female is known as a Template:Transliteration or Template:Transliteration. In Mongolian, it is called a Template:Transliteration (хайнаг). There is also the English portmanteau term of yattle—a combination of the words yak and cattle,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> as well as yakow<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>—a combination of the words yak and cow.

Dzomo are fertile (or fecund), while dzo are sterile. As they are a product of the hybrid genetic phenomenon of heterosis (hybrid vigor), they are larger and stronger than yak or cattle from the region.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In Mongolia and Tibet, khainags are thought to be more productive than cattle or yaks in terms of both milk and meat production.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="son">Template:Cite book</ref>

Dzomo can be back crossed. As a result, many supposedly pure yak or pure cattle probably carry each other's genetic material. In Mongolia, the result of a Template:Transliteration crossed with either a domestic bull or yak bull is called Template:Transliteration (ортоом, three-quarter-bred) and an Template:Transliteration crossed with a domestic bull or yak bull results in a Template:Transliteration (усан гүзээ, one-eighth-bred).<ref name="son"/><ref>Takase Hisabumi, Kh. Tumennasan et al., "Fertility Investigation in F1 Hybrid and Backcross Progeny of Cattle (Bos taurus) and Yak (Bos gruniens) in Mongolia: II. Little variation in gene products studied in male sterile and fertile animals", in: Niigata journal of health and welfare Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 42–52.</ref>

Dzos inherit two distinct protein types, one from each parent, leading to alterations in their mitochondrial structure and function.<ref>Long, L., Zhu, Y., Li, Z., Zhang, H., Liu, L., & Bai, J. (2020). Differential expression of skeletal muscle mitochondrial proteins in yak, dzo, and cattle: a proteomics-based study. The Journal of veterinary medical science, 82(8), 1178–1186. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.19-0218</ref> Consequently, this adaptation significantly enhances the dzo's capacity to thrive at higher altitudes compared to either parent.

See also

• Bovid hybrid
• Yakalo, a yak-buffalo hybrid

External links

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• dictionary.com
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