How do the horns of a mature yak bull compare to those of a cow?
Answer
Bull horns are thick, heavy, and impressive, while cow horns are much thinner and shorter
There is a clear sexual dimorphism evident in the horn structure of yaks. Mature male yaks, or bulls, develop horns that are robust, thick, and heavy, contributing significantly to their imposing physical silhouette. These horns grow outward and then curve gracefully upward and slightly inward toward the tips. Conversely, female yaks, or cows, also possess horns, but they are substantially less formidable, being generally much thinner, shorter, and lacking the substantial mass found on the males. These horns, like human fingernails, grow from permanent bony cores on the skull and are composed of keratin.
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