Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, Mangan District, conducts Yak Calf Rally at 15,000 feet altitude
Mangan, August 31: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, Mangan District, led by Additional Director, Dr. Dechen O. Kaleon, accompanied by team comprising of Joint Director (Mangan), Dr. Hissay D. Lepcha, Deputy Director (Chungthang), Dr. Sonam D. Lepcha, Assistant Director (Chungthang), Mr. Passang Tsh. Bhutia, V.O (Mangan), Dr. Thinley O. Lepcha, V.O (Chungthang), Dr. Tenzing Lobsang Bhutia, V.O (Phodong), Dr. Rajat Bagdass, Assistant Director (Mangan), Mr. Singhi Dhathub Lachungpa and the staff of Lachen successfully conducted a Yak Calf Rally under RGM (2026-2027), funded by SLDB, on the 29th of August at Gochung and Lashar Valley of Lachen at an elevation of 15,000 feet above sea level.
The Sikkimese Yak has recently been recognised and registered as a distinct breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Government of India. The Dongkong group of Yak Herders who collectively own 1831 nos. of yaks migrate to Gochung and Lashar during the summers. The Gochung- Lashar-Byamzey trek done by the team covers a distance of 18 kms approx. in the oxygen thin air.
Eleven Yak Farmers or Drokpas participated in the calf rally with one or more entry each. The first position with a cash prize of ₹15,000/- was won by the calf belonging to Shri Tshering Choenden, the second position with a cash prize of ₹12,000/- was won by Shri Tshering Norbu's calf, while the third position with a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- was won by Shri Pema Thinley's calf. The remaining eight participants all received consolation prizes of 5000/- each.
The Drokpas were also presented with care packages containing cooking oil and washing powder along with ectoparasidicals, dewormers and calcium supplements for their yaks.
