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

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

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

The topic is original and relevant because it deals with the enhancement of the genetic resources of a cultivated breed (Datong yak), whereas most of the literature focuses on endangered or indigenous breeds. However, it has several shortcomings that need to be addressed before publication.

In fact, it is necessary to:

Clearly state the research questions and hypotheses.
Strengthen the critical discussion of the literature and methods.
Improve the explanation of the formulas and prevent possible double counting.
Expand the comparative discussion with other cases.
Provide more detail on the policy and operational implications.

Specifically, the general objective of the work is indicated, but the research questions should have been stated more explicitly. The literature is extensive and up to date, but there is a lack of critical discussion of alternative methodologies (contingent valuation, choice experiment) and why they were excluded in this case. The section is more descriptive than critical.

The use of only three economic methods, without triangulation with WTP/WTA, limits the ability to fully capture cultural and social values. There is also a possible risk of double counting between items (e.g. beef value in DUV and part of the premium in PUV).

The results are very numerical and tabular, but not interpreted in depth; I recommend a more in-depth comparison with other estimates of genetic resources (cattle, sheep, goats in different contexts).

The discussion only partially contextualises: the comparison with other studies remains limited and often generic. Furthermore, the ecological and cultural dimensions are treated as secondary to the economic dimension.

In conclusion, the recommendations are valid (databases, benefit-sharing mechanisms), but remain generic. More concrete policy instruments could have been detailed (e.g. targeted subsidies, ecosystem service markets, labelling for yak meat).

Well done.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you very much for your careful review and valuable comments on our manuscript entitled Evaluation of the Genetic Resource Value of Datong Yak: A Cultivated Breed on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. These suggestions are of great significance for improving the rigor, completeness, and readability of the paper. We have carefully studied all the comments, completed the revisions as required, and now provide a point-by-point response to the specific revisions below. We kindly request your further review.

Comments 1: Clearly elaborate the research questions and hypotheses

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have revised and improved the original manuscript, and added the research questions as followed：

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?

and 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.

Comments 2: Strengthen the critical discussion of literature and methods

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. In accordance with the reviewer's comments, we have revised and improved the original manuscript, and added a critical discussion of the literature as followed：

Focus on Endangered or Indigenous Breeds: Most studies 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. For example, Martin-Collado et al. used contingent valuation to assess the non-market value of Alistana-Sanabresa cattle, and Roessler et al. 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, neglecting a comprehensive assessment across potential use value (PUV) and conservation value (CV).

we also added a critical explanation of the methods (Materials and Methods, Section 2.3.2).

Comments 3: Improve the explanation of formulas and avoid potential double-counting

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. In accordance with the reviewer's comments, we have rechecked the formulas to ensure there is no double-counting (Results, Section 2.3.1), and made adjustments mainly in the following two aspects:

Definitions of PUV₄ and DUV₂: DUV₂ (Results, Section 2.3.1) only includes the basic market value of Datong yak beef, while PUV₄ (Results, Section 2.3.1) only includes quality premiums, ensuring no overlap between the two.

Definitions of IUV₁ and IUV₂: IUV₁ (Results, Section 2.3.1) reflects the ecosystem service value of grassland conservation (e.g., carbon sequestration), and IUV₂ (Results, Section 2.3.1) reflects the cost savings from reduced grassland consumption. There is no overlap between ecosystem services and cost savings between the two.

Comments 4: Expand the comparative discussion with other cases

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. In accordance with the reviewer's comments, we have added Table 5 (Results, Section 3.2), which compares the value structure of Datong yaks with that of three cattle breeds in other regions, and summarizes key insights (Results, Section 3.2)

Comments 5: Provide more details on policy and operational recommendations

Response:In accordance with the reviewer's comments, we have added detailed policy recommendations in Part 5 (Sections 5.1–5.3).

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.

Comments 6: The results are mostly presented in numbers and tables, but the explanation is not in-depth enough

Response:In accordance with the reviewer's comments, we have added interpretations of the results (Results, Section 3.2).

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 3,607 Datong yaks conserves 6,024 ha of grassland (1.67 ha per head), sequestering approximately 9,036 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.

Comments 7: The discussion section only partially provides background, and the ecological and cultural dimensions are secondary

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue. By linking genetic value to the three dimensions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this study contributes to research on sustainable livestock production in agriculture. In accordance with the reviewer's comments, we have added a contextualized discussion (Discussion, Section 4.1)

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.

and enhanced the content related to ecological/cultural dimensions (Discussion, Section 4.3).

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 (9,036 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.

Once again, we would like to thank the reviewers for their meticulous review and valuable comments, which have been very helpful for improving this paper. We hope the revised manuscript meets your expectations.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Minor revision, Overall the manuscript is well written, well structured with proper subheadings and a good flow. Implementing these revisions will further add clarity and impact to it.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear Reviewers,

Thank you very much for your meticulous review and valuable Comments on our manuscript titled Evaluation of the Genetic Resource Value of Datong Yak: A Cultivated Breed on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. These suggestions are of great significance for enhancing the rigor, completeness, and readability of the paper. We have carefully studied all the Comments and completed the revisions as required. Below is a point-by-point response to the specific revisions, and we kindly request your further review.

Commentson the ABSTRACT Section

The abstract is concise and comprehensive, as it not only highlights the key parameters used but also emphasizes the significance of this study for the evaluation of the genetic resource value of Datong yaks.

INTRODUCTION Section

2.1 Comments It is necessary to more clearly identify the gaps in previous studies (e.g., "Multi-dimensional value evaluation of commercial yak breeds has not yet been conducted").

Responses Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have supplemented the "gaps in previous studies" in the introduction (Introduction)as followed：

This breed exhibits notable advantages, including a 24.4% higher yield compared with local hybrids, 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 .

2.2 CommentsSome statements about plateau biodiversity and the importance of yaks are redundant; it is recommended to integrate relevant content to improve the fluency of the text.

Responses Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have merged and deleted the redundant content in the introduction as followed：

further calls for integrating biodiversity values into policies, economic accounting, and poverty reduction strategies

MATERIALS AND METHODS Section

3.1 Comments Description of the study area: Provide Geographic Information System (GIS) coordinates and altitude range to clarify the background of environmental conditions.

Responses Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have added content explaining the GIS coordinates and altitude range of Datong County.

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 2,280 m to 4,622 m.

3.2 Comments Report the specific sampling dates, expert consultation dates, and the demographic distribution of the surveyed households.

Responses Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have specified the exact sampling dates and expert consultation dates (Materials and Methods, 2.2）

3.3 Comments If possible, explain the structure of the questionnaire.

Responses However, regarding your concern and suggestion about the demographic distribution of the surveyed rural households, it should be noted that this survey strictly adheres to the Personal Information Protection Law and academic research ethics guidelines. The demographic distribution of rural households involves the private information of the survey respondents, and disclosing specific data may pose a risk of privacy leakage. To effectively protect the information security and legitimate rights and interests of the survey respondents, we are temporarily unable to provide detailed demographic distribution data. Thank you for your understanding and support!

3.4 Comments Elaborate in detail the sufficient reasons for choosing the market price method, opportunity cost method, and shadow engineering method over the direct survey evaluation method, and clearly discuss the limitations of these methods.

Responses Thank you for your concern and suggestion regarding the questionnaire structure. The core content of the questionnaire used in this survey has been systematically presented in Tables 1–3 of the paper (Materials and Methods, 2.2). The questionnaire structure is consistent with the content of each table, and the overall design of the questionnaire is guided by the research objectives. All parts of the content are interconnected to form a complete survey logic chain, which can support the data collection needs of this study. Thank you for your understanding and support!

3.5 Comments If possible, define the relevant variables immediately after each formula.

Responses Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have elaborated in detail the sufficient reasons for choosing the market price method, opportunity cost method, and shadow engineering method instead of the direct survey evaluation method in the text, and clearly discussed the limitations of these methods (Materials and Methods, 2.3.2).

Thank you for your concern and suggestion regarding the explanation of formula variables. Considering the coherence and readability of the paper, if variables are labeled individually after each formula, it may lead to content redundancy and affect the fluency of the text. Therefore, we have listed the calculation formulas for the four types of values uniformly and then labeled all relevant variables in a centralized manner (Materials and Methods, 2.3.3,). Thank you for your understanding and support!

RESULTS Section

4.1 Comments Provide confidence intervals or error estimates for the main value components to reflect the variability of the survey data.

Response Thank you very much for your concern about the presentation of data variability. The value evaluation data in this study integrates two types of core information: "self-reported data from rural households" (e.g., breeding costs, sales revenue) and "expert-assigned data" (e.g., ecological value coefficients, genetic resource potential scores). Among them, the self-reported data from rural households is subject to random fluctuations due to memory biases and differences in regional breeding practices, while the expert-assigned data is based on professional experience. There is no unified quantitative error reference standard for these two types of data. If we force the combination of the two types of data to calculate confidence intervals or error estimates, the results may become "formalized"—this would not truly reflect the variability of the data itself, but rather might mislead the judgment of result reliability. Thank you for your understanding and support!

4.2 Comments It is preferable to summarize the main values—including Direct Use Value (DUV), Indirect Use Value (IUV), Potential Use Value (PUV), Existence Value (CV), and total value—in a table in the form of absolute values and percentages, to present the results more intuitively. If a table is not used, percentages and absolute values can also be labeled in each sector of Figure 4 (pie chart).

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have added "Table 4" in the text (Results, 3.1) to summarize the main values, including Direct Use Value (DUV), Indirect Use Value (IUV), Potential Use Value (PUV), Existence Value (CV), and total value, in the form of absolute values.

4.3 Comments Briefly compare the various values of Datong yaks with those of similar breeds or other species in other regions, to clearly illustrate the value scale context of the results of this study.

Response Thank you for your concern and suggestion regarding the value comparison of the study results. At present, there is a lack of systematic research data on the evaluation of yak genetic resource value at home and abroad. The value evaluation of similar breeds or related species in other regions mostly adopts different indicator systems, evaluation methods, and data collection standards (e.g., some studies focus on economic value without covering ecological value, or there are significant differences in the sample selection scope compared with this study). Direct comparison may lead to a lack of comparability and rigor in the results. To avoid misleading caused by inconsistent evaluation systems, we are temporarily unable to conduct targeted comparative analysis. Thank you for your understanding and support!

DISCUSSION Section

5.1 Comments Elaborate in detail how genetic advantages are directly transformed into ecological indicators.

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have elaborated in detail how genetic advantages are directly transformed into ecological indicators in the text (Discussion, 4.1, Line 307).

5.2 Comments Supplement policy recommendations, such as putting forward specific suggestions on the breeding objectives of breeding bulls or incentive measures for the semi-stall feeding model.

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have revised the fifth section to "5. Policy Recommendations"

5.1 Expand Breeding Scale and Genetic Preservation

5.2 Optimize Value Chains

5.3 Further Strengthening Genetic Improvement and Industry Development

5.3 Comments Can this framework be applied to yak breeds in other countries? Please discuss its applicability outside China.

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have added content related to international comparison (Discussion, 4.2).

5.4 Comments At the same time, it is necessary to acknowledge the limitations and potential biases of expert consultations and self-administered questionnaires.

Response Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have added content addressing the limitations and potential biases of expert consultations and self-administered questionnaires (Discussion, 4.3).

CONCLUSIONS Section

Comments Supplement three more specific research initiatives: "Establish a long-term monitoring project", "Integrate genetic adaptability indicators to enhance climate resilience", and "Build a market brand for Datong yak beef or beef products"

Response Thank you for your comment; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have added the three initiatives—"Establish a long-term monitoring project", "Integrate genetic adaptability indicators to enhance climate resilience", and "Build a market brand for Datong yak beef or beef products"—in the text (5. Policy Recommendations, 5.3 as the response to comment 5 ).

Once again, we would like to thank the reviewers for their meticulous review and valuable comments, which have been extremely helpful for improving this paper. We hope the revised manuscript meets your expectations.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

As a zoologist, I have read the paper with great interest and provided suggestions to improve the manuscript directly in the PDF. Add the scientific name for the wild yak in parentheses when it first appears. Mention in your introduction how many wild yaks are left and what the conservation status of the species is. How many breeds are there, and do scientific names exist for the different breeds? Since when is the Datong Yak domesticated? What other buffalo species hybridize with the yak breeds? The map needs to be improved. When saying "recent scientific research," you need to provide citations for your claim. The bold sentences in your conclusions and the inconsistent use of bold are very confusing and might violate the journal's format. All together minor issues that can easily be fixed.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear Editor and Reviewers,

Thank you very much for your meticulous review and valuable comments on our manuscript entitled Evaluation of the Genetic Resource Value of Datong Yak: A Cultivated Breed on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. These suggestions are crucial for enhancing the rigor, completeness, and readability of the paper. We have carefully studied all the Comments and completed the revisions as required. Below is a point-by-point response to the specific revisions, and we kindly request your further review.

Comments 1 Is“Bos mutus” the correct scientific name for this breed? If correct, please add it in parentheses.

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have revised the first occurrence of "yak" to "yak (Bos mutus)" (Introduction, Line 50).

Comments 2 Delete "unique genetic".

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have deleted "unique genetic" (Introduction, Line 47).

Comments 3 Supplement relevant information about wild yak populations: What is the remaining number of wild yaks currently? What is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status of this species?

Response: Thank you for your valuable Comments. It should be noted that the focus of this study is the comparative analysis between Datong yaks and domestic yaks on the Qinghai Plateau, rather than wild yaks. Therefore, although information on the population size of wild yaks and their IUCN conservation status is of reference value, it has limited relevance to the research object and objectives of this paper. To maintain the focus and logical coherence of the paper, we have not supplemented the relevant content in the main text. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Comments 4 Would it be more appropriate to replace "cultivated" with "domesticated"?

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have replaced "cultivated" with "domesticated" (Introduction, Line 59).

Comments 5 Please supplement relevant information about this breed: When did this breed come into existence (i.e., the origin time of the breed)? In addition, how many yak breeds exist currently?

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have added content explaining when this breed came into existence and how many yak breeds currently exist (Introduction).

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 , 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 head, with Qinghai Province serving as the primary habitat.

Comments 6 For text overlapping with the background, counter shadowing can be used to improve readability.

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have bolded the text in "Figure 1" (Introduction).

Comments 7 Please add a scale bar and a north arrow (Introduction, Line 73). It would be better to add an additional frame containing coordinates and surrounding countries/oceans. Currently, China (on the map) seems to be floating in the air, and this presentation effect is not good.

Response: Thank you very much for your attention to the presentation of "Figure 1". We have added a scale bar and a north arrow. However, the scale of the world map is relatively small, making it impossible to draw the outline of China’s provinces in detail. Forced addition may lead to blurred map information, which affects the overall visual effect and the accuracy of information transmission. Therefore, we still maintain the existing frame design, which can better highlight the key content. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Comments 8 Please provide references to support your view on "recent scientific research".

Response: Thank you for your suggestion to provide references to support the views related to "recent scientific research". However, we have adjusted and optimized this part of the content, and in the revised content, we have standardized the citation of corresponding references for all views involving "recent scientific research". Thank you for your understanding and support! (2. Materials and Methods, 2.3.2, Line 187)

Comments 9 I think the bold text in the main text greatly affects readability; it interferes with the identification of subheadings. Moreover, I think this journal does not allow this format (i.e., using bold in the main text).

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have removed the bold formatting from all parts of the main text.

Comments 10 Please indicate the year in reference citations.

Response: Thank you for pointing out this issue; we fully agree with this suggestion. We have added citations for "Smith et al." and "Drucker et al." in accordance with the formatting requirements of Agriculture (4. Discussion, 4.2).

Once again, we would like to thank the reviewers for their meticulous review and valuable Comments, which have been extremely helpful for improving this paper. We hope the revised manuscript meets your expectations.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript has made significant progress compared to the first version. The main critical issues have been addressed and, although there are still some areas that could be further strengthened (especially the depth of the critical discussion), the paper now appears solid, coherent and publishable.