Bibliometric analysis of yak based on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database

To understand the condition and hot spots of yak research in China, we selected yak-related articles in the CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) published from 1998 to 2018 for bibliometric analysis. The results showed that the number of publications increased linearly from 1998 to 2018. The research direction of this paper mainly focused on animal husbandry and veterinary care. The Chinese Qinghai Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences had the largest number of papers. The main research institutions for yak were the Gansu Agricultural University, Southwest Minzu University, and Qinghai University. These institutions were primarily distributed in northwestern and southwestern China, which are the main yak-producing areas. The most cited paper was from Gansu Agricultural University and was titled " Analysis and evaluation of the components and flavouring substances in white yak’s meat.” These results provide important information for researchers and demonstrate the research situation and knowledge structure for yaks in China.