Genetic Cryopreservation of Rare Breeds of Domesticated North American Livestock: Smithsonian & SVF Biodiversity Preservation Project
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This report is well written and contains list of germplasm holdings of 5 species and 39 breeds in the SVF cryorepository.
For the benefit of readers, it is recommended to provide some technical information of cryopreservation for semen, embryos and fibroblasts, including methods/protocols, survival rates, implementation, etc.
Line 73: … by creating and (delete?) a rare breed gene bank.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 1 Comments
Point 1: For the benefit of readers, it is recommended to provide some technical information of cryopreservation for semen, embryos and fibroblasts, including methods/protocols, survival rates, implementation, etc.
Response 1: The authors agreed that more detailed information regarding our methods would be beneficial for readers. This section has been expanded to provide more technical parameters and reference citations.
Point 2: Line 73: … by creating and (delete?) a rare breed gene bank.
Response 2: Thank you for catching that error, it has been rectified in the revised text.
Reviewer 2 Report
The genetic conservation of rare breeds is essential if the genetic diversity present in populations of domestic animals is not to be lost to future generations of animal breeders. Reporting on the SVF biodiversity preservation project will help publicise this initiative and promote the uptake of the resources it holds as well as encourage the deposition of genetic materials by the owners of rare breeds livestock.
Author Response
Point 1: The genetic conservation of rare breeds is essential if the genetic diversity present in populations of domestic animals is not to be lost to future generations of animal breeders. Reporting on the SVF biodiversity preservation project will help publicise this initiative and promote the uptake of the resources it holds as well as encourage the deposition of genetic materials by the owners of rare breeds livestock.
Response 1: The authors appreciate the validation of this report and look forward to increasing international awareness of the need to conserve livestock genetics.
Reviewer 3 Report
I think this might be a potentially interesting communication, but I miss information on other similar projects on an international basis.
Who has access to this repository?
Is that just interesting for US readers or breeds from other continents experiencing extreme climate change and extinction will also be included?
I think the authors could include information on what they mean with "bio-secure genome resource bank", so that the scientific community could better take advantage of this communication.
Author Response
Point 1: Who has access to this repository?
Response 1: Specific language in the revised conclusion address this question.
Point 2: Is that just interesting for US readers or breeds from other continents experiencing extreme climate change and extinction will also be included?
Response 2: The authors believe that this project serves as a model for international conservation of livestock genetics within each country. Interest in this project has been expressed by various international organizations and the revised communication expands on the possible international impact of this project.
Point 3: I think the authors could include information on what they mean with "bio-secure genome resource bank", so that the scientific community could better take advantage of this communication.
Response 3: The authors agree that additional details regarding the biosecurity program of this project would be beneficial for readers. The revised communication includes these details in the Methods section.
Round 2
Reviewer 3 Report
I think the manuscript has been improved and I recommend to accept it.
