Comparative analysis of growth performance and serum biochemical indices of grazing yaks in cold and warm seasons.

The experiment was to compare the effect of different seasonal conditions on growth performance and serum biochemical indices of grazing yaks. Eight healthy yaks with good body condition were selected, which were grazed in the same pasture in warm season and cold season, respectively. The pre-test period lasted for 10 d, the formal test period lasted for 60 d. The results showed that the total weight gain and average daily gain of yaks in warm season group were extremely higher than those in cold season group (P<0.01). Serum albumin and ALT activity in warm season group were significantly higher than those in cold season group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the growth condition of yaks in warm season is obviously better than that in cold season, the digestion, absorption and utilization of protein were better, and the weight gain effect is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]