Guidelines for experimental design and statistical analyses in animal studies submitted for publication in the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences

Seo, Seongwon,Jeon, Seoyoung,Ha, Jong K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.9

Animal experiments are essential to the study of animal nutrition. Because of the large variations among individual animals and ethical and economic constraints, experimental designs and statistical analyses are particularly important in animal experiments. To increase the scientific validity of the results and maximize the knowledge gained from animal experiments, each experiment should be appropriately designed, and the observations need to be correctly analyzed and transparently reported. There are many experimental designs and statistical methods. This editorial does not aim to review and present particular experimental designs and statistical methods. Instead, we discuss some essential elements when designing an animal experiment and conducting statistical analyses in animal nutritional studies and provide guidelines for submitting a manuscript to the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences for consideration for publication.

Growth and Development of the Academic Societies and Animal Production in Korea, China and Asia over the Last 50 Years

Han, In K.,Ha, Jong K.,Lee, J.H. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2009 Animal Bioscience Vol.22 No.6

The Korean Society of Animal Science (KSAS) was officially born on October 8, 1956 under the leadership of Professor Sang W. Yun of Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea a few years after the end of the Korean War. At that time, there were 0.9 million Korean native cattle, 1.3 million pigs and 8.9 million chickens in Korea. Per capita income for Korea (US$ 66) or China (US$ 59) was about 10% of Asian's average income (US$ 513) in 1956. Korea produced less than 0.2 million M/T of formula feed and consumed 6.1 kg/person/year of animal products. One could say that Korea was an example of an under-developed country in the world. Although the first issue of the Proceedings of the KSAS was published on October 28, 1958, regular quarterly journals of the KSAS were not published until March 1, 1969. Major activities other than publishing its journal were: holding an annual meeting and/or scientific forum at national or international level. The Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies (AAAP) was founded on September 1, 1980 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with founding members from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, NZ, Philippines and Thailand. Thirteen AAAP Animal Science Congresses have been held in its 28 year history. Hosting countries were Malaysia (1980), Philippines (1982), Korea (1985), NZ (1987), Taiwan (1990), Thailand (1992), Indonesia (1994), Japan (1996), Australia (2000), India (2002), Malaysia (2004), Korea (2006) and Vietnam(2008). In 1988, significant progress of the AAAP was made by creating an official English journal of the AAAP entitled "Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences (AJAS)" under the initiative of the KSAS. This journal is now published monthly and distributed to more than 50 countries in the AAAP region and the world. It should be mentioned that the KSAS was able to successfully host the $3^{rd}$ AAAP Animal Science Congress in 1985 and the 12th in 2006, as well as the $8^{th}$ WCAP in 1998. During the last 50 years of KSAS history, per capita income of Korea increased to US$ 17,690 (268 fold), formula feed production increased to 15 million M/T (97 fold) and consumption of animal products increased to 105 kg/person/year (17 fold). Cattle, pig and chicken numbers also increased to 2.5 million (2.8 fold), 9 million (7.4 fold) and 119 million (13 fold). This trend was also found for China and Asia, even if the rate of growth was slightly lower than that of Korea. It is expected that a similar rate of growth in economics, animal numbers, formula feed production and animal protein intake will likely be achieved by other Asian countries in the $21^{st}$ century with somewhat lower rate of development than that of Korea.

Publication Report of the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences over its History of 15 Years - A Review

Han, In K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2002 Animal Bioscience Vol.15 No.1

As an official journal of the Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies (AAAP), the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences (AJAS) was born in February 1987 and the first issue (Volume 1, Number 1) was published in March 1988 under the Editorship of Professor In K. Han (Korea). By the end of 2001, a total of 84 issues in 14 volumes and 1,761 papers in 11,462 pages had been published. In addition to these 14 volumes, a special issue entitled "Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition" (April, 2000) and 3 supplements entitled "Proceedings of the 9th AAAP Animal Science Congress" (July, 2000) were also published. Publication frequency has steadily increased from 4 issues in 1988, to 6 issues in 1997 and to 12 issues in 2000. The total number of pages per volume and the number of original or review papers published also increased. Some significant milestones in the history of the AJAS include that (1) it became a Science Citation Index (SCI) journal in 1997, (2) the impact factor of the journal improved from 0.257 in 1999 to 0.446 in 2000, (3) it became a monthly journal (12 issues per volume) in 2000, (4) it adopted an English editing system in 1999, and (5) it has been covered in "Current Contents/Agriculture, Biology and Environmental Science since 2000. The AJAS is subscribed by 842 individuals or institutions. Annual subscription fees of US$ 50 (Category B) or US$ 70 (Category A) for individuals and US$ 70 (Category B) or US$ 120 (Category A) for institutions are much less than the actual production costs of US$ 130. A list of the 1,761 papers published in AJAS, listed according to subject area, may be found in the AJAS homepage (http://www.ajas.snu.ac.kr) and a very well prepared "Editorial Policy with Guide for Authors" is available in the Appendix of this paper. With regard to the submission status of manuscripts from AAAP member countries, India (235), Korea (235) and Japan (198) have submitted the most manuscripts. On the other hand, Mongolia, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea have never submitted any articles. The average time required from submission of a manuscript to printing in the AJAS has been reduced from 11 months in 1997-2000 to 7.8 months in 2001. The average rejection rate of manuscripts was 35.3%, a percentage slightly higher than most leading animal science journals. The total number of scientific papers published in the AJAS by AAAP member countries during a 14-year period (1988-2001) was 1,333 papers (75.7%) and that by non- AAAP member countries was 428 papers (24.3%). Japanese animal scientists have published the largest number of papers (397), followed by Korea (275), India (160), Bangladesh (111), Pakistan (85), Australia (71), Malaysia (59), China (53), Thailand (53), and Indonesia (34). It is regrettable that the Philippines (15), Vietnam (10), New Zealand (8), Nepal (2), Mongolia (0) and Papua New Guinea (0) have not actively participated in publishing papers in the AJAS. It is also interesting to note that the top 5 countries (Bangladesh, India, Japan, Korea and Pakistan) have published 1,028 papers in total indicating 77% of the total papers being published by AAAP animal scientists from Vol. 1 to 14 of the AJAS. The largest number of papers were published in the ruminant nutrition section (591 papers-44.3%), followed by the non-ruminant nutrition section (251 papers-18.8%), the animal reproduction section (153 papers-11.5%) and the animal breeding section (115 papers-8.6%). The largest portion of AJAS manuscripts was reviewed by Korean editors (44.3%), followed by Japanese editors (18.1%), Australian editors (6.0%) and Chinese editors (5.6%). Editors from the rest of the AAAP member countries have reviewed slightly less than 5% of the total AJAS manuscripts. It was regrettably noticed that editorial members representing Nepal (66.7%), Mongolia (50.0%), India (35.7%), Pakistan (25.0%), Papua New Guinea (25.0%), Malaysia (22.8%) and New Zealand (21.5%) have failed to return many of t

Influence of Municipal Abattoir Conditions and Animal-related Factors on Avoidance-related Behaviour, Bleeding Times at Slaughter and the Quality of Lamb Meat

Njisane, Yonela Z.,Muchenje, Voster Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.10

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of municipal abattoir conditions and animal factors on avoidance-related behaviour (AB) of sheep at slaughter, bleeding times (BT) and mutton quality. The behaviour of 66 castrates and 19 ewes of different age categories was observed at three stages of slaughter. Higher behaviour scores indicated higher levels of AB. Time intervals between the start of blood flow and the time the flow changed from a constant stream into drips were recorded as BT. Thirty two meat samples were obtained to measure quality variables. These were colour ($L^*$, $a^*$ and $b^*$), $pH_{24}$, temperature, cooking loss (CL) and tenderness. Correlations were determined between BT and meat quality variables. Animal behaviour at slaughter differed with breed, gender and age group. Avoidance behaviour was higher in the Dorper breed than in both the Merino breed and their crosses. It was also higher in younger (<10 months) lambs than in older sheep. Castrates were more aggressive or in panic than ewes. Castrates had longer ($72.6{\pm}0.53s$) BT than the ewes ($63.6{\pm}2.82s$). Ewes had higher CL ($39.8{\pm}1.04%$) values than castrates ($35.1{\pm}0.95%$). Meat from castrates was tougher ($32.6{\pm}1.95N$) than the meat from ewes ($24.3{\pm}1.16N$). There were no significant correlations obtained between BT and meat quality variables. It can therefore be concluded that abattoir conditions, breed, age and gender had an effect on AB at slaughter. Gender had an effect on BT and mutton quality.

Impact of different shades of light-emitting diode on fecal microbiota and gut health in broiler chickens

Ianni, Andrea,Bennato, Francesca,Di Gianvittorio, Veronica,Di Domenico, Marco,Martino, Camillo,Colapietro, Martina,Camma, Cesare,Martino, Giuseppe Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.12

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota of broiler chickens reared in the presence of different shades of light-emitting diode (LED) lights, correlating this information with biochemical and molecular evidence that allowed drawing conclusions on the state of health of the animals. Methods: Overall, the metagenomic approach on fecal samples was associated with evaluations on enzymes involved in the cellular response to oxidative stress: glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase and catalase; while the inflammatory aspect was studied through the dosage of a proinflammatory cytokine, the interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the evaluation of the matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9). Specifically, analysis was performed on distinct groups of chickens respectively raised in the presence of neutral (K = 3,300 to 3,700), cool (K = 5,500 to 6,000), and warm (K = 3,000 to 2,500) LED lightings, and a direct comparison was performed with animals reared with traditional neon lights. Results: The metagenomic analysis highlighted the presence of two most abundant bacterial phyla, the Firmicutes and the Bacteroidetes, with the latter characterized by a greater relative abundance (p<0.05) in the group of animals reared with Neutral LED light. The analysis on the enzymes involved in the antioxidant response showed an effect of the LED light, regardless of the applied shade, of reducing the expression of GPX (p<0.01), although this parameter is not correlated to an effective reduction in the tissue amount of the enzyme. Regarding the inflammatory state, no differences associated with IL-6 and MMP-9 were found; however, is noteworthy the significant reduction of MMP-2 activity in tissue samples obtained from animals subjected to illumination with neutral LED light. Conclusion: This evidence, combined with the metagenomic findings, supports a potential positive effect of neutral LED lighting on animal welfare, although these considerations must be reflected in more targeted biochemical evaluations.

Hemoglobin Concentration and Hematocrit Value of Black Bengal Goats Infected with Fasciola gigantica

Howlader, M.M.R.,Huq, M.M. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1997 Animal Bioscience Vol.10 No.1

A total of 72 Black Bengal goats of 2.5 to 3.5 and 4.0 to 6.0 years old were used in this study. Equal number of animals were included in Fasciola gigantica infected and non-infected control groups. For each age and treatment groups 18 blood samples were collected in glass vials contained EDTA anticoagulant in summer and winter seasons before the animals were slaughtered at abottoir. Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined using microhematocrit and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration by cyanmethemoglobin methods. The PCV of F. gigantica infected animals were significantly lower than the non-infected animals. The average PCV values obtained were 26.60 and 32.20% for F. gigantica infected and non-infected animals, respectively. The Hb values of infected animals were significantly lower than the non-infected animals. The average Hb values obtained were 9.17 and 10.51 gm% for F. gigantica infected and non-infected goats, respectively. There was no significant effect of age and season on the values of PCV and Hb of infected and non-infected animals.

Relationship of Early Lactation and Bovine Somatotropin to Water Metabolism and Mammary Circulation of Crossbred Holstein Cattle

Maksiri, W.,Chanpongsang, S.,Chaiyabutr, N. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2005 Animal Bioscience Vol.18 No.11

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of exogenous bovine somatotropin on water metabolism in relation to mammary function in early lactation of crossbred Holstein cattle. Ten, 87.5% crossbred Holstein cattle were divided into two groups of 5 animals each. At day 60 of lactation, the control group was given placebo while animals in the experimental group were given recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) by subcutaneous injection with 500 mg of rbST (14-days prolonged-release rbST). In rbSTtreated animals, milk yield increased 19.8%, which coincided with a significant increase in water intake (p<0.01), while DM daily intake was not different when compared to the control animals. Water turnover rate as absolute values significantly increased (p<0.05), while the biological half-life of water did not change in rbST-treated animals. Total body water (TBW) and total body water space (TOH) as absolute values significantly increased (p<0.01) in rbST-treated animals, while it was decreased in the control animals. Absolute values of empty body water (EBW) markedly increased (p<0.05), which was associated with an increase in the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume. Absolute values of plasma volume and blood volume were also significantly increased (p<0.05) in rbST-treated animals. The increase in mammary blood flow in rbST-treated animals was proportionally higher than an increase in milk production. The plasma IGF-1 concentration was significantly increased (p<0.01) in rbST-treated animals when compared with those of control animals during the treatment period. Milk fat concentration increased during rbST treatment, while the concentrations of both protein and lactose in milk were not affected. The present results indicate that rbST exerts its effect on an increase in both TBW and EBW. An increased ECF compartment in rbST-treated animals might partly result from the decrease in fat mass during early lactation. The action of rbST on mammary blood flow might not be mediated solely by the action of IGF-1 for increase in blood flow to mammary gland. An elevation of body fluid during rbST treatment in early lactation may be partly a result of an increase in mammary blood flow in distribution of milk precursors to the gland.

Stewardship, Stockmanship and Sustainability in Animal Agriculture

Szucs, E.,Geers, R.,Sossidou, E.N. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2009 Animal Bioscience Vol.22 No.9

Sufficient food supply for all humans was, is, and will remain one of the main priorities for mankind. The choice between food from crops or animals is related to philosophical, religious and ethical, but also cultural and economical, values. However, the concept of sustainable agriculture takes into account the organization of food supply through future generations. Not only quantity, but also quality is important, especially in relation to food safety and the method of production. Specifically, the aspect of animal welfare is becoming increasingly important with the focus on stewardship and stockmanship, i.e. responsibility of humans for their animals. In the future, implications for sustainability in animal production may be of more concern to stewardship paired by stockmanship, responsibility, consciousness and morality. The moral as a basic concept of sustainable agriculture is to maintain continuous development in harmony with nature to meet requirements in the world for living creatures including human beings to live in and steward. The objective of this paper is to discuss the above issues from different viewpoints on sustainable food supply, increasing food consumption and environmental protection.

Genome wide association study for growth in Pakistani dromedary camels using genotyping-by-sequencing

Sajida Sabahat,Asif Nadeem,Rudiger Brauning,Peter C. Thomson,Mehar S. Khatkar Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2023 Animal Bioscience Vol.36 No.7

Objective: Growth performance and growth-related traits have a crucial role in livestock due to their influence on productivity. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Pakistani dromedary camels was conducted to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with growth at specific camel ages, and for selected SNPs, to investigate in detail how their effects change with increasing camel age. This is the first GWAS conducted on dromedary camels in this region. Methods: Two Pakistani breeds, Marecha and Lassi, were selected for this study. A genotyping-by-sequencing method was used, and a total of 65,644 SNPs were identified. For GWAS, weight records data with several body weight traits, namely, birthweight, weaning weight, and weights of camels at 1, 2, 4, and 6 years of age were analysed by using model-based growth curve analysis. Age-specific weight data were analysed with a linear mixed model that included fixed effects of SNP genotype as well as sex. Results: Based on the q-value method for false discovery control, for Marecha camels, five SNPs at q<0.01 and 96 at q<0.05 were significantly associated with the weight traits considered, while three (q<0.01) and seven (q<0.05) SNP associations were identified for Lassi camels. Several candidate genes harbouring these SNP were discovered. Conclusion: These results will help to better understand the genetic architecture of growth including how these genes are expressed at different phases of their life. This will serve to lay the foundations for applied breeding programs of camels by allowing the genetic selection of superior animals.

Role of Animal Agriculture for the Quality of Human Life in the 21st Century - Review (Keynote Speech) -

Han, In K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1999 Animal Bioscience Vol.12 No.5

The role of animal agriculture for the quality of human life has always been emphasized during 20th century and it is expected to be even more important in terms of food supplies and in providing additional functions in the future. The world human population has almost tripled during a period of half century. The world population of animals has increased 2~3 times (6 times for chicken) during the last 60 years, and the total amount of livestock products has increased 5~6 times (more than 10 times in pork) with higher annual growth rate (9%) in developing countries. Increased personal income certainly encouraged demand for animal products over grains and lower animal production costs resulted from scientific and technological advances. Similarly the production of total grains has more than doubled owing to the advances in agricultural science during the later part of the 20th century. The average life span of world people in 1950s was only 46 years, which will be increased to almost 66 years in the year 2000. Present date clearly indicate that the life span of people is proportional to their income (GNP) and/or animal protein intake. Animals can provide other resources than foods. The increase of human population indicates that the number of animals as well as per capita consumption of animal products will be increased in the 21st century. The other resources we get from animals are drafts, packing, riding, hunting and herding. Guiding the blind, protection and companionship are also examples of what we can expect from animals. In the very near future, animals will become major donors of organs, skin and producers of drugs or special functional foods. It may be concluded that animals are very closely associated and related to the quality of human life, and they are expected to remain the same way in the 21st century.