Yaks are a long-haired cousin of cattle. They are found throughout the Himalaya region of southern Central Asia, the Tibetan Plateau, and as far north as Mongolia and Russia. Most yaks are domesticated. However there are small populations of wild yaks in these regions.
Yaks diverged from cattle millions of years ago. There is some suggestion that they may be closely related to Bison.
Thousands of years ago yaks were domesticated primarily for their milk, fiber, and meat. Their dried poop is an important fuel in Tibet, and often is the only fuel available on the high treeless plateaus.
Breeds of Alpacas
There are the following breeds of Alpacas:
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 Huacaya
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Huacaya alpacas are medium-sized animals with a distinctive, fluffy appearance. They have short, soft, dense fleece that grows perpendicular to their skin, creating a teddy bear-like appearance. They have a rounded, cute, and cuddly appearance, which makes them popular as pets and for use in therapeutic programs. They typically weigh between 120 and 190 pounds and stand about three feet tall at the shoulder.
Huacayas are primarily rai
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Suri |
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Suri alpacas have unique fiber characteristics that
distinguish the Suri from the rest of the camelid family. Unlike the soft fuzzy
look of the Huacaya alpaca, the Suri's long, separate, distinctive locks are
comprised of twisted or flat fibers that drape down the sides of the Suri's
body. The Suri's fiber has a cool, slick handle or feel, can be as soft as
cashmere, warmer than wool, with the luster of silk. Suris comprise about 15% of the
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