pian niu
(most common name)

(local/other name):
• ah gohr (backcross to yak ♂︎)
• galiba (backcross to yak ♂︎)
• p’ien niu (Chinese romanized according to Wades-Giles system)
• pien niu
• pian

A pian niu is a yakow — a yak-cattle hybrid. These hybrids are sometimes bred for riding as well as work.

In China’s mountainous areas, Central Chinese Yellow bulls are bred with yak cows.

A bull × yak ♀︎ cross is considered to be a ‘true’ pian niu. A reciprocal cross of yak ♂︎ × cow is known as a ‘false’ pian niu.

Other local names include:
• local cattle ♂︎ × yak ♀︎ = ‘local’ pian niu
• exotic or improved dairy, beef or dual-purpose cattle ♂ ︎× yak ♀ = ‘improved’ pian niu

Pian niu females yield twice as much milk as yaks. They also have a longer lactation period, though the milk is less rich. False pian niu hybrid offspring do not produce much milk and are used primarily for draught purposes.

Hybrids are mated back to either cattle or yak males; the hybrid male is sterile. First generation yak/cattle hybrids adapt well to local conditions, retain the yak’s environmental resistance, and gain greater productivity from the cattle parent.

Backcross hybrids-to-cattle lose both their environmental adaptation and improved productivity. These calves are often slaughtered soon after birth and the dam’s milk is used or sold. In contrast, backcross hybrids-to-yak are encouraged because they produce useful meat animals.

pian niu = ‘partial cow’ or ‘inclined cattle’

This page was last updated on: 2023-06-11

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® China and read about other Chinese cattle breeds.

The Cow Wall® A-Z Cattle Breed Picture Reference to see other breeds of cattle in the world.