Evaluation of the Genetic Resource Value of Datong Yak: A Cultivated Breed on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Livestock and poultry genetic resources form the cornerstone of elite population breeding, new breed development, and global food security. The yak (Bos mutus), endemic to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, is indispensable for maintaining regional biodiversity and ecological stability. The Datong yak—China’s first nationally recognized cultivated yak breed and the world’s inaugural domesticated yak variety—plays a pivotal role in enhancing yak production performance, mitigating grassland–livestock conflicts, and restoring degraded grasslands. This study aimed to provide a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of yak genetic resources by comprehensively evaluating the genetic resource value of Datong yaks. We employed the market price method, opportunity cost method, and shadow engineering method to assess four value dimensions—aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) livestock genetic resource value framework and adapted to China’s yak production context: direct use value (DUV), indirect use value (IUV), potential use value (PUV), and conservation value (CV). Data were collected through expert consultations, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaire surveys in Datong County (Qinghai Province, the core production area of Datong yaks) between August and September 2024, with the widely distributed Qinghai Plateau yak serving as the control breed. Based on a recent market survey, the total genetic resource value of Datong yaks in China was estimated at CNY 2.505 billion in 2024, highlighting the increasing economic and strategic significance of yak genetic resources. Among the four value dimensions, PUV accounted for the largest share (65.67%), driven by superior production performance, market price premiums, and reduced feeding costs. DUV contributed 20.72%, reflecting the value of biological assets and beef products; IUV represented 7.10%, primarily associated with grassland conservation benefits; and CV constituted 6.51%, encompassing costs for genetic resource preservation and cultural heritage contributions. These results underscore the substantial potential of Datong yak genetic resources, particularly given their unique adaptation to high-altitude environments and their critical role in supporting local livelihoods and ecological stability. Future research should focus on expanding breeding programs and genetic conservation, optimizing industrial and value chains, and strengthening genetic improvement initiatives to promote ecological security and sustainable development of the yak industry on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.

1. Introduction

Biodiversity is the cornerstone of human survival and development, providing critical ecosystem services (provisions, regulations, support, and culture) [1,2,3]. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2020 highlights that over 50% of global GDP depends on biodiversity and its associated services [4], emphasizing that valuing biodiversity is essential for its effective conservation and sustainable use. The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, further calls for integrating biodiversity values into policies, economic accounting, and poverty reduction strategies [5].

As a key component of biodiversity, livestock genetic resources are vital for safeguarding ecosystems and supporting sustainable agriculture. The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau—known as the “Roof of the World” and “Third Pole”—is a global biodiversity hotspot and China’s core ecological security barrier [6]. The yak (Bos mutus), endemic to this plateau, is uniquely adapted to high-altitude (low-oxygen, extreme-cold) environments and underpins the livelihoods of pastoralists, accounting for 95% of the world’s yak population and forming the foundation of local pastoral economies [7,8]. However, the expansion of yak populations has led to overgrazing that exceeds the carrying capacity of alpine grasslands, resulting in pasture degradation and posing a significant threat to ecosystem health [9].

There are 26 yak breeds in total, including 24 indigenous breeds and 2 cultivated breeds. The Datong yak, designated in 2004 as China’s first national yak breed and the world’s first domesticated yak breed [10], was developed through selective breeding using sires derived from wild yaks and dams from the adult female herd at the Datong Breeding Farm, emphasizing individuals with robust body conformation, refined muzzle, and jet-black coat. As of 2024, the population of this breed totals 36,607 heads, with Qinghai Province serving as the primary habitat (accounting for 88.66% of the national population), and smaller populations distributed across six additional provinces: Tibet, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Sichuan, and Yunnan (Figure 1).

This breed exhibits notable advantages, including a 24.4% higher yield compared with local hybrids [10], strong adaptability and resistance, excellent foraging ability, and a wide range of feeding areas. These traits effectively alleviate grassland–livestock tensions, facilitate the restoration of degraded pastures, accelerate genetic purification of yak populations, and contribute to biodiversity conservation on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau [11].

Valuing yak genetic resources is essential for their conservation and sustainable use, as they constitute a vital gene pool with substantial social and economic implications. This framework aligns directly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Goal 2 ‘Zero Hunger’—enhancing meat production efficiency to ensure food security;

Goal 13 ‘Climate Action’—reducing grassland degradation to alleviate ecological pressures;

Goal 15 ‘Life on Land’—protecting plateau biodiversity.

While existing literature provides a foundation for livestock genetic resource valuation, it exhibits three key limitations that this study addresses:

Focus on Endangered or Indigenous Breeds: Most studies [12,13,14] prioritize endangered or indigenous breeds, neglecting cultivated breeds such as the Datong yak. This gap is critical because cultivated breeds are central to commercial production and food security in high-altitude regions.

Methodological Limitations: Many studies rely on contingent valuation or choice experiments to measure non-market values [12,15,16]. For example, Martin-Collado et al. [13] used contingent valuation to assess the non-market value of Alistana-Sanabresa cattle, and Roessler et al. [15] applied choice experiments to pig breeding traits in Vietnam. While effective for capturing cultural and social values, these methods are less suitable for cultivated breeds with stable market transactions, such as the Datong yak, where market price-based approaches are more direct and interpretable.

Lack of Multidimensional Valuation: Research on cultivated livestock often focuses solely on direct use value [17] or ecological value [18], neglecting a comprehensive assessment across potential use value (PUV) and conservation value (CV).

To fill these gaps, this study explicitly addresses three core research questions:

What is the total genetic resource value of the Datong yak, and how is this value distributed across direct use, indirect use, potential use, and conservation dimensions?

Do the valuation methods employed (market price, opportunity cost, shadow engineering) adequately capture the multidimensional value of the Datong yak, and what are the limitations of excluding alternative approaches (contingent valuation, choice experiments) and non-market tools (WTP/WTA)?

How can the genetic resource value of the Datong yak be translated into concrete policy and operational measures to support sustainable livestock production on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau?

Correspondingly, three hypotheses guide the analysis:

H1. 

The potential use value (PUV) of the Datong yak—driven by its genetic superiority in productivity and adaptability—constitutes the largest share of its total genetic resource value.

H2. 

Excluding alternative valuation methods (e.g., contingent valuation) and WTP/WTA triangulation results in underrepresentation of the Datong yak’s cultural and social values.

H3. 

Targeted policy instruments (e.g., breed-specific subsidies, ecosystem service markets) are more effective in unlocking the Datong yak’s value than generic conservation recommendations.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

Core Study Area: The core study region is Datong County, Qinghai Province (geographical coordinates: 100°51′–101°56′ E, 36°43′–37°23′ N), with an elevation ranging from 2280 m to 4622 m. This area represents the primary production zone of the Datong yak. The Qinghai Yak Breeding and Extension Service Center, located in Datong, is recognized as the largest and most influential base for yak breeding, research, and extension in China, and has played a pivotal role in advancing yak breeding technologies and genetic research.

2.2. Data Sources

Expert Consultations: An expert consultation was conducted in August 2024, involving 12 participants: five yak genetics and breeding specialists from the Lanzhou Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and seven local extension officers from the Qinghai Yak Breeding and Extension Service Center, all of whom specialize in Datong yak breeding management and technical services. The consultation enabled the research team to identify key parameters—including production performance indicators and market conditions of the Datong yak—and to develop a detailed questionnaire design.

Field Surveys: Between late August and early September 2024, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 staff members of the Qinghai Yak Breeding and Extension Service Center to collect relevant data. The promotion of Datong yaks has experienced substantial growth, contributing significantly to the expansion of the yak market in China. Recent market research indicates that the industry in Datong has benefited from both national policy support and rising consumer demand for healthy, organic products. Questionnaire surveys were distributed to 150 pastoral households and 10 local yak farms across two core towns in Datong County (Baoku Township and Jingyang Town), covering three feeding systems: housed feeding (42 households), semi-housed feeding (76 households), and traditional grazing (20 households). A total of 138 valid household questionnaires (response rate: 92%) and 10 valid farm questionnaires (response rate: 100%) were obtained. The sample size satisfies statistical requirements for sampling surveys, with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error ≤ 5%.

Data Content: Cost–benefit data and market information were collected for Datong yaks and Qinghai Plateau yaks (used as the control breed), including live yak prices influenced by factors such as weight, age, breed, and market demand, as well as operational costs from the Qinghai Yak Breeding and Extension Service Center and net book value assessments. Key parameters are summarized in

Table 1. Basic production, herd structure, and economic parameters of Datong yaks.

Parameter Category	Parameter Name	Symbol	Unit	Mean Value
Production Parameters	Cow weight	W1	kg	265
	Bull weight	W2	kg	220
	Castrated bull weight	W3	kg	375
	Meat percentage	C1	%	46
	Calf survival rate	S1	%	95
	Feed conversion rate	FCR1	%	33.3
	Annual calving number per cow	CP1	head/year	0.79
	Beef yield per head	B1	kg/head	116.6
	Daily feed intake per head	FI1	kg/head/d	1.5
	Diet composition: Oat grass	FA1	kg/head/d	0.4
	Diet composition: Silage	FA2	kg/head/d	0.44
	Diet composition: Pellet feed	FA3	kg/head/d	0.66
	Supplementary feeding days	SF1	day/year	180
	Breeding cycle	FC1	year	7
	Grassland area per grazing yak	A1	hm2/head	1.67
Herd Structure	Number of castrated yaks	Q1	head	4820
	End-of-year stock of cows	Q2	head	20,742
	End-of-year stock of bulls	Q3	head	10,159
	End-of-year stock of breeding bulls	Q4	head	3279
	End-of-year stock of calves	Q5	head	1887
	Number of yaks under confined breeding	Q6	head	3607
	Number of yaks under grazing breeding	Q7	head	32,460
	End-of-year stock of progeny	Q8	head	2.0 × 106
Price Data	Live weight price	P1	CNY/kg	50
	Price of 2–3-year-old breeding bulls	P2	CNY/head	14,000
	Calf price	P3	CNY/head	2000
	Beef price	P4	CNY/kg	90
Cost Data	Feed cost: Oat grass	KF1	CNY/kg	2.5
	Feed cost: Silage	KF2	CNY/kg	0.8
	Feed cost: Pellet feed	KF3	CNY/kg	3.6
	Epidemic prevention cost per head	K1	CNY/head	7.64
Cost Data	Depreciation cost per head	K2	CNY/head	413.65
	Service cost per head	K3	CNY/head	500
	Repair cost per head	K4	CNY/head	458.23
	Grazing cost per head	K5	CNY/head	960
Promotion Unit Expenditure	Annual operating cost per promotion unit	K6	CNY/unit	1.08 × 103
	Net value of fixed assets per unit	K7	CNY/unit	1.52 × 104

Note: 1. “Castrated bull” refers to male yaks neutered for meat production; “confined breeding” denotes indoor housing rearing, and “grazing breeding” denotes free-range grassland rearing. 2. All data were collected from field surveys of Datong yak breeding bases in Qinghai Province (2023–2024). 3. Feed conversion rate (FCR) is a dimensionless ratio of feed intake to weight gain.

,

Table 2. Basic production parameters of Qinghai Plateau yaks.

Parameter Name		Symbol	Unit	Mean Value
Cow weight		W4	kg	245
Meat percentage		C2	%	40
Calf survival rate		S2	%	90
Feed conversion rate		FCR2	%	26.7
Annual calving number per cow		CP2	head/year	0.60
Beef yield per head		B2	kg/head	98.00
Daily feed intake per head		FI2	kg/head/d	1.5
Diet composition	Oat grass	FB1	kg/head/d	0.36
	Silage	FB2	kg/head/d	0.41
	Pellet feed	FB3	kg/head/d	0.73
Breeding cycle		FC2	year	8

Note: Data were sourced from the Qinghai Provincial Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station (2023–2024). Parameters are defined consistently with Table 1 for cross-reference.

and

Table 3. Market prices of ordinary yak meat and grassland transfer.

Parameter Name	Symbol	Unit	Mean Value
Ordinary yak meat price	P5	CNY/kg	60
Grassland transfer price	P6	CNY/hm2	1125

Note: “Grassland transfer price” refers to the annual rental cost of grassland use rights in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau region. Data were obtained from local agricultural product markets and grassland management departments (2024).

.

2.3. Research Framework and Methods

2.3.1. Value Dimension Definition

Direct use value (DUV) represents the economic benefits derived from the consumption or utilization of Datong yak related products, comprising:

• DUV₁: Value of biological assets, including breeding bulls and frozen semen;
• DUV₂: Market value of beef products, identified as the primary product through expert consultations.

Indirect use value (IUV) captures the ecological services provided by Datong yak genetic resources, including:

• IUV₁: Ecosystem service value of grasslands conserved by housed Datong yaks;
• IUV₂: Benefits from reduced grassland consumption by semi-housed Datong yaks compared with Qinghai Plateau yaks.

Potential use value (PUV) reflects the prospective economic benefits arising from the genetic superiority of Datong yaks, including:

• PUV₁: Promotion value, represented by the price premium of adult Datong yaks relative to local yaks;
• PUV₂: Yield increase value, reflecting higher beef output compared with local yaks;
• PUV₃: Resistance value, accounting for reduced calf mortality and lower feeding costs through shorter slaughter cycles;
• PUV₄: Quality value, capturing the nutritional advantages of Datong yak beef, as reflected in market premiums.

Conservation value (CV) quantifies the benefits of preserving Datong yak genetic diversity and cultural heritage, calculated based on the costs of maintaining genetic resource sustainability, including annual operating costs and net fixed assets of the Qinghai Yak Breeding and Extension Service Center(Figure 2).

2.3.2. Valuation Methods

A range of methodologies are commonly employed to assess livestock genetic resources, including the market price method, opportunity cost method, shadow engineering method, contingent valuation method, and choice experiment method [12,19,20,21,22,23]. Each approach has specific applicability and yields distinct valuation outcomes. The market price method, based on observed market transaction data, provides a direct, objective, and readily interpretable valuation approach with broad applicability. Its effectiveness, however, depends on the existence of a stable and well-functioning market for the resource under evaluation [24].

The opportunity cost and shadow engineering methods estimate value by assessing the costs of alternative goods or projects providing equivalent utility. Nevertheless, these surrogate approaches may not fully reflect the resource’s true value due to the absence of perfect substitutes. In contrast, contingent valuation and choice experiment methods construct hypothetical scenarios to estimate value, eliciting consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) or willingness to accept compensation (WTA) through surveys [25,26]. These approaches are particularly suitable for evaluating local or endangered livestock genetic resources lacking established market transactions.

For the Datong yak, however, the use of non-market valuation methods is unnecessary and would introduce unwarranted complexity. Contingent valuation, for instance, infers WTP from hypothetical commodities, but this method is prone to bias when applied to cultivated breeds with active, stable markets. Reliable market price data are readily available for Datong yak beef, breeding bulls, and frozen semen, making direct market-based valuation more accurate and appropriate. Similarly, while choice experiments can assess preferences across hypothetical trait combinations, they require simplification of complex attributes such as genetic adaptability and grassland conservation. Given the Datong yak’s intertwined economic, ecological, and genetic values, such simplification risks overlooking critical linkages, for example, between feed conversion efficiency and grassland pressure. Consequently, this study adopts a market-based valuation approach rather than contingent valuation or choice experiment methods (Figure 3).

Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that excluding these methods (and WTP/WTA measures) limits the ability to capture cultural values, such as Tibetan herders’ emotional attachment to yaks, which is discussed as a limitation in Section 4.3.

2.3.3. Calculation Formulas

The key formulas (and variables, defined with units and data sources) are provided below; the full calculations use the data from Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.

Direct Use Value (DUV)

$${DUV}_1=W_2\times P_1\times Q_2+W_3\times P_1\times Q_3+Q_4\times P_2+Q_5\times P_3{Fy}_1$$

(1)

$${DUV}_2=B_1\times Q_1\times P_4$$

(2)

where

W₂, W₃: weight of breeding bulls (kg) and frozen semen (straws); P₁: market price of breeding materials (CNY/kg or CNY/straw); Q₂, Q₃: quantity of breeding bulls and frozen semen; Q₄, Q₅: quantity of other products (e.g., hides and milk); P₂, P₃: market price of hides/milk (CNY/unit); B₁: average beef output per Datong yak (kg/head); Q₁: total number of Datong yaks; and P₄: market price of Datong yak beef (CNY/kg).

Indirect Use Value (IUV)

$${IUV}_1=A_1\times Q_6\times 2.28\times {10}^4$$

(3)

$$K_{Mix1}=\sum _{i=1}^n{KF}_n\times {FA}_n$$

(4)

$$K_{Mix2}=\sum _{i=1}^n{KF}_n\times {FB}_n$$

(5)

$${Fy}_1={FI}_1\times K_{Mix1}/0.8$$

(6)

$${Fy}_2={FI}_2\times K_{Mix2}/0.8$$

(7)

$${IUV}_2=\left({Fy}_2-{Fy}_1\right)/{Fy}_2{\times P}_6\times A_1\times 20\times Q_7$$

(8)

where

$A_1$: grassland area per housed Datong yak (hm²/head); $Q_6$: number of housed Datong yaks; 2.28 × 10⁴: average ecosystem service value of Qinghai grasslands (CNY/hm²); $K_{Mix1}$, $K_{Mix2}$: the costs of compound feed per kg of Datong yak and Qinghai Plateau yak; ${KF}_n$: the price of each feed in the yak diet; Fy₁, Fy₂: natural grass intake of Datong yaks and Qinghai Plateau yaks (kg/head/year); P₆: annual grassland transfer price (CNY/hm²); 0.8: the average price of natural forage; 20: multiplier for indirect ecosystem services; and Q₇: number of semi-housed Datong yaks.

Potential Use Value (PUV)

$${TS}_{AB1}={(FCR}_1\times {FI}_1)/B_1\times K_{Mix1}$$

(9)

$$V_{B1}=P_4-{TS}_{AB1}$$

(10)

$${FUV}_1=Q_8\times 800$$

(11)

$${FUV}_2=\left(B_1-B_2\right)\times V_{B1}\times Q_1+\left({CP}_1-{CP}_2\right)\times Q_2\times P_3$$

(12)

$${FUV}_3=\left[\left(S_1-S_2\right)\times P_3+\left({TS}_{AB1}\times {FS}_1+K_1+K_2+K_3\right)\times \left({FC}_2-{FC}_1\right)\right]\times Q_1$$

(13)

$${FUV}_4=\left(P_4-P_5\right)\times B_1\times Q_1$$

(14)

where

Q₈: number of promoted Datong yaks; 800: price premium per adult Datong yak (CNY/head); B₂: the average beef output of Qinghai Plateau yaks, estimated to be 200 kg per head, as reported by local herders; V_B1: the economic value of yak meat per kilogram, ranging from CNY 36 to 80/kg, reflecting its high nutritional content and the significant income it can generate for herders; CP₁, CP₂: calf survival rate of Datong yaks and Qinghai Plateau yaks; S₁, S₂: slaughter cycles (years); TS_AB1: feed cost per kg beef (CNY/kg); FS₁: feed conversion rate; K₁–K₃: other breeding costs (CNY/head); FC₁, FC₂: feeding days of Datong yak and Qinghai Plateau yak; and P₅: market price of Qinghai Plateau yak beef (CNY/kg).

Conservation Value (CV)

$$CV=K_6+K_7$$

(15)

where

K₆: annual operating costs of the Qinghai Yak Breeding and Extension Service Center (CNY) and K₇: net fixed assets of the center (CNY).

Total Genetic Resource Value (V_YGR)

$$V_{YGR}=DUV+IUV+PUV+CV$$

(16)

3. Results

3.1. Types of Genetic Resource Value

The genetic resource value of the Datong yak was estimated at CNY 2.505 billion, with its detailed composition and proportions presented in

Table 4. The Genetic Resource Value of the Datong Yak in 2024.

Value		Numerical Value (CNY Million)
Direct Use Value (DUV)	DUV1	468
	DUV2	51
	Total DUV	519
Indirect Use Value (IUV)	IUV1	137
	IUV2	41
	Total IUV	178
Potential Use Value (PUV)	PUV1	1600
	PUV2	16
	PUV3	13
	PUV4	17
	Total PUV	1646
Conservation Value (CV)	CV1	11
	CV2	152
	Total CV	163
Total Genetic Resource Value		2505

:

3.2. Proportion of Genetic Resource Value

In 2024, the total genetic resource value of Datong yaks in China was CNY 2.505 billion (Figure 4).

PUV Dominance (65.67%): PUV reflects strong market demand for the Datong yak’s superior genetic traits, including high yield and disease resistance. This aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), as genetic improvement can enhance meat production to meet increasing demand.

DUV Significance (20.72%): DUV represents immediate economic benefits for pastoral households. For instance, a household managing 20 Datong yaks can earn approximately CNY 24,000 per year from beef sales—15% higher than income derived from Qinghai Plateau yaks—supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) by improving pastoral livelihoods.

IUV Potential (7.10%): Semi-intensive husbandry of 3607 Datong yaks conserves 6024 ha of grassland (1.67 ha per head), sequestering approximately 9036 tons of carbon annually (1.5 t/ha/year), thereby contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

CV Investment (6.51%): CV represents the essential costs of maintaining genetic diversity. For example, the Qinghai Yak Breeding and Extension Service Center preserves Datong yak genetic resources, which are critical for future genetic purification and breed revitalization.

Table 5. Comparison of genetic resource value structures across cattle/yak breeds.

Breed	Region	Value	Value Structure (DUV/IUV/PUV/CV)	Key Driver	Source
Datong Yak (Cultivated)	Qinghai–Tibet Plateau	CNY 2.505 billion (Total)	20.72%/7.10%/65.67%/6.51%	Genetic potential (PUV)	This study
Huaxi Cattle (Cultivated)	China	CNY 22.5 billion (Total)	62.94%/3.92%/29.13%/4.01%	Beef production (DUV)	[18]
Alistana-Sanabresa Cattle (indigenous)	Spain	83 Euro (per head)	8.43%/44.44%/N.A/43.37%	Ecological adaptation (IUV)	[13]
Maremmana Cattle (indigenous)	Italy	91 Euro (per head)	23.08%/38.46%/14.29%/24.17%	Ecological adaptation (IUV)	[25]

provides a comparative overview of the Datong yak’s value structure relative to other cattle breeds across different contexts.

The Datong yak’s Potential Use Value (PUV, 65.67%) represents the largest component of its genetic resource value, reflecting its unique genetic advantages in high-altitude environments. Its Direct Use Value (DUV, 20.72%) is lower than that of Huaxi cattle (62.94%), as the Datong yak’s core value lies in ecosystem adaptability rather than maximizing immediate economic output. Indirect Use Value (IUV, 7.10%) and Conservation Value (CV, 6.51%) are also comparatively lower than those of similar breeds, suggesting relatively low grazing intensity and limited investment in genetic conservation, respectively (see Section 5.1).

4. Discussion

4.1. Key Findings in the Context of Agriculture’s Thematic Focus

This study contributes to Agriculture’s thematic focus on sustainable livestock production and genetic resource valuation in several ways.

Filling Gaps in Cultivated Breed Assessment: By systematically evaluating the multidimensional value of an artificially bred yak using the FAO framework (DUV–IUV–PUV–CV), this study provides a replicable model for valuing commercial livestock genetic resources, addressing a notable gap in cultivated breed assessment.

Linking Genetic Value to Ecological and Economic Sustainability: The Datong yak, with a high Potential Use Value (PUV, 65.67%), demonstrates how genetic enhancement can improve productivity—yielding 24.4% higher outputs—and enable superior feed efficiency and more rational grassland utilization. These improvements reduce grassland consumption per unit of output by approximately 15%, lower the risk of overgrazing, and enhance both the carrying capacity and carbon sequestration potential of grassland ecosystems, aligning with Agriculture’s objective of balancing food security and ecological protection.

Providing Policy-Relevant Evidence: The total genetic resource value of Datong yaks (CNY 2.505 billion) and the PUV-dominated value structure support targeted policy interventions, such as expanding the population of breeding bulls and frozen semen production to unlock PUV, and investing in grassland–livestock balance programs to enhance IUV.

Contributions to Sustainable Livestock Husbandry:

Environmental Dimension: A 24.7% improvement in feed conversion efficiency results in a 13.8% reduction in grassland consumption per unit of meat product, indirectly enhancing the grassland’s carbon sequestration capacity.

Livelihood Dimension: Based on the mean values from 138 household questionnaires, the price premium of CNY 800 per adult Datong yak, calculated at an average household holding of 15 head, results in an average annual income increase of CNY 12,000 per herder household.

This study contributes to Agriculture’s focus on sustainable livestock production by linking genetic value to three UN SDGs:

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): PUV-driven yield increases (24.4% higher than local hybrids) could boost meat production by approximately 18,000 tons/year if Datong yaks occupy 40% of Qinghai’s yak population.

SDG 13 (Climate Action): IUV-related grassland conservation reduces carbon emissions by 9036 tons/year through mitigated overgrazing.

SDG 15 (Life on Land): CV-supported genetic preservation maintains plateau biodiversity, with the Datong yak contributing to approximately 10% of Qinghai’s yak genetic diversity, as confirmed through expert consultation.

4.2. Comparison with Existing Studies

Methodological Consistency: The use of market price and shadow engineering methods in this study aligns with established approaches in livestock genetic resource valuation. For instance, Smith et al. [19] applied the market price method to assess the direct value of Indonesian livestock, while Drucker et al. [21] employed shadow engineering to evaluate Latin American agrobiodiversity, supporting the validity of our approach.

Novelty in Yak-Specific Valuation: Unlike previous studies on conventional yaks, this research explicitly quantifies Potential Use Value (PUV), including promotion and quality values, and links it to genetic superiority. This provides a more comprehensive perspective on the long-term prospects of Datong yaks.

International Comparison Dimension: Although this evaluation framework has been applied to Datong yaks in China, its methodology and value dimensions are fully replicable and can inform the assessment of yak breeds in other countries or regions. For instance, yak populations in high-altitude areas such as Nepal [27], northern India [28], and Mongolia [29] face similar dual challenges of enhancing production efficiency while maintaining ecological protection. By appropriately adapting market data, ecological parameters, and cultural value indicators, this framework can be used to evaluate the integrated genetic and ecological value of yak populations in these regions, thereby supporting cross-country comparisons and informing international livestock policy development.

4.3. Limitations and Future Directions

Data Limitations: Due to regional disparities in yak distribution, the 2023–2024 data from Qinghai Province may not fully capture national variations in market prices or grassland conditions. Future studies should incorporate data from additional yak-distributed provinces (e.g., Sichuan and Tibet) and use multi-year datasets (e.g., five-year spans) to better characterize population dynamics and industry trends.

Valuation Refinement: Conservation Value (CV) in this study is currently based on preservation costs. Incorporating cultural values—such as Tibetan pastoralists’ willingness to pay for yak heritage—through contingent valuation could enhance accuracy and align with Agriculture’s emphasis on social–ecological systems.

Climate Adaptation Integration: Climate change poses significant threats to Qinghai–Tibet Plateau grasslands. Future research could evaluate the genetic adaptability of Datong yaks to climate stressors (e.g., heat tolerance) and its influence on PUV, addressing a critical gap in sustainable livestock research.

Expert Consultation and Questionnaire Bias: Expert opinions may reflect personal experience, research background, or subjective judgment, limiting their ability to fully represent conditions across all regions. Similarly, self-reported data from herders or farms may be prone to over- or underestimation, particularly regarding output, feed consumption, and management practices.

Ecological Dimension Research: Future studies should further quantify the Datong yak’s contributions to ecosystem functions such as pollination and soil formation, complementing current IUV assessments that already highlight grassland carbon sequestration (9036 tons/year) as a key ecological benefit.

Cultural Dimension Research: The strong adaptability of the Datong yak underscores its unique ecological and cultural significance. Future research should explicitly incorporate cultural values to capture the profound social and heritage dimensions associated with this breed.

5. Policy Recommendations

5.1. Expand Breeding Scale and Genetic Preservation

Breeding bull policies for the Datong yak should set clear targets for numbers and distribution to enhance genetic and production potential. One-time subsidies in Qinghai, Sichuan, and Tibet can partially cover costs, and a yak genetic resource database integrating genetic, production, and ecological data would support breeding programs and decision-making.

5.2. Optimize Value Chains

In Qinghai, pilot projects could compensate herders for converting pastures to protected grasslands to reduce overgrazing, while policy incentives should promote semi-intensive or mixed feeding systems to maintain productivity and relieve grassland pressure. Establishing a ‘Datong Yak Beef’ certification label with strict standards for genetics, husbandry, and nutrition would enhance product value and consumer trust.

5.3. Further Strengthening Genetic Improvement and Industry Development

The breeding and promotion of the Datong yak should be guided by a multidimensional value assessment balancing economic and ecological benefits. Long-term monitoring of genetic improvement and ecological sustainability can inform breeding decisions, while product branding enhances market value and provides a scientific basis for livestock genetic resource valuation, supporting sustainable agriculture and rural development.