A dzo () is a hybrid between the yak and the domestic cow. The word dzo technically refers to a male hybrid, while a female is known as a or . In Mongolian, it is called a (хайнаг). There is also the English portmanteau term of yattle—a combination of the words yak and cattle, as well as yakow—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. In Mongolia and Tibet, khainags are thought to be more productive than cattle or yaks in terms of both milk and meat production.
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 crossed with either a domestic bull or yak bull is called (ортоом, three-quarter-bred) and an crossed with a domestic bull or yak bull results in a (усан гүзээ, one-eighth-bred).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.
Dzos inherit two distinct protein types, one from each parent, leading to alterations in their mitochondrial structure and function.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 Consequently, this adaptation significantly enhances the dzo's capacity to thrive at higher altitudes compared to either parent.
Scrabble The word "dzo" can also be spelt "zho" or "zo". Especially in the zo spelling it is an extremely useful word in Scrabble.
See also Bovid hybrid Yakalo, a yak-buffalo hybrid
References
External links
dictionary.com