Yak Hair fibre
Zoological information
- The yak, scientifically referred to as Bos grunniens, is related to the bison and falls within the Bovidae family.
- The primary use of this animal is done in the mountain regions where it is also known as ‘Beast of Burden’ for its meat and milk. In a recent development, herders have begun selling the yak’s sheared hair as an additional source of income.
- The lifespan of yaks typically ranges from 20 to 25 years in captivity, while those in the wild may have a slightly shorter lifespan due to various environmental factors and natural challenges.
- Yak hair is known to be an acceptable alternative to Cashmere.
Habitat and fibre production
- This cloven-hoofed creature primarily inhabits the elevated regions above the snow line on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, often referred to as “The Roof of the World.”
- Towards the conclusion of the preceding century, it was discovered that approximately 13 million domesticated yaks resided in proximity to the Himalayas, with 100,000 of them located in India.
- About 4 million wild yaks were estimated to be found in the deep valleys and remote mountainous areas. Those domesticated yaks dwelling in the Himalayas typically occupied altitudes exceeding 2000m.
- The yak possesses a dual-layered coat, consisting of an outer coarse layer that shields it from intense wind, snow, and rain, while the inner finer layer provides warmth and insulation to the animal.
- The yearly production of yak hair fibers amounts to approximately 1000 tons, and a single yak can yield 1-1.2 kg of fibers.
- It annually undergoes shedding during the spring season, a process that can be either manually combed or sheared.
- Specifically selected Jiulong yak fibre lines can yield an impressive 10-12 kg of fine fibers per animal.
Table 1. Physical and Mechanical properties and chemical composition of yak hair fibres[1][2]
Physical properties
Parameter
Value
Adult yak : Length (mm)
12000-14000mm
Diameter( µm )
18-20
Yak Calf : Length (mm)
40-50
Diameter( µm )
15-17
Composition
Constituents
Value (in %)
Fibre yield
65 – 80
Foreign matter
1 – 6
Vegetable matter
3
Moisture
3
Table 2: Amino Acid composition of Mongolian Yak hair fibres
Amino Acid
Composition (mol%)
Cysteic acid
0.4
Aspartic Acid
6.6
Threonine
6.5
Glutamic Acid
10.3
Proline
12.5
Glycine
8.4
Alanine
5.7
Cystine
4.8
Valine
6.0
Methionine
0.4
Isoleucine
3.2
Leucine
7.7
Tyrosine
3.5
Phenylalanine
2.8
Lysine
2.8
Histidine
0.6
Arginine
7.4
Features
- Yak hair comes in intriguing natural shades such as red, white, black, and blackish brown.
- The coarse outer hair has a narrow medulla, while the inner fine hair lacks a medulla.
- The outer guard hair is longer, coarser, and stronger, while the inner hair is silky, soft, fine, and lustrous.
- The fibres are oval to circular
- They possess a finely scaled structure and exhibit deep pigmentation.
- The fine quality yak hair is much cheaper than cashmere.
Typical uses
- The coarser hairs find application in crafting blankets, ropes, tents, huts, and mats.
- Robust ropes are crafted from the tail hair, while the finer down hair is primarily employed in the creation of apparel and various textile products.
- The de-haired fine down hair can be spun into yarn, which can be comparable to cashmere.
- Additionally, it can be blended with other animal hair fibres and nylon to produce knitwear.
- For the creation of premium thick fabrics, baby yak hairs are gathered.
- Adult yak hair is utilised in the felt industry, whereas yak calf hair contributes to the textile industry.
- German fashion brand ‘Edelziege’ blends fine yak hair with cashmere to fashion shawls and scarves.
- Notably, fashion brands like Dunhill, Eileen Fisher, and Vince utilize blended yak hair and merino wool to manufacture high-quality suits.
