About the Journal

Animal Production Science has evolved from a journal primarily concerned with developments in Australian agriculture (animals, plants and soils) to a journal with an international outlook and a focus on animal science, predominantly animal agriculture. These changes in focus have been accompanied by name changes; commencing in 1969 with the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, changing in 1985 to Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and to the present title in 2009.

Research papers in Animal Production Science focus on improving livestock and food production, and on the social and economic issues that influence livestock production systems. Papers span traditional animal science to genomics and precision agriculture and examine the societal role of animal agriculture in the provision of a healthy human diet and a sustainable environment. The journal is predominantly concerned with domesticated livestock (beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry); however, contributions on horses, deer and fish will be considered where relevant.

Animal Production Science publishes high quality original contributions and critical reviews. Subject areas include, but are not limited to:

• Genomics, genetics and animal breeding
• Physiology, endocrinology and reproduction
• Animal nutrition and metabolism
• Feed quality, nutritional value and toxicology
• Livestock farming systems, sustainability and natural resource management
• Rural development and livestock systems in transition
• Meat science, product quality and consumer acceptability
• Behaviour, health and welfare
• Bio-pharmaceuticals derived from animals
• Technology and education

Molecular genetics: the journal rarely accepts manuscripts based on simple correlation analyses that target polymorphisms in a specific 'candidate' gene and an aspect of animal production. Most animal production traits are polygenic, and genome-wide approaches are far more appropriate and effective than single-gene analysis. The polygenic nature of most animal production traits has been demonstrated by numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS). For a deeper analysis of this perspective, go to: Montgomery (2020). Commentary: lessons from molecular genetic studies on reporting false-positive results. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 32, 1298-1300. Doi: 10.1071/RD20281.

In addition, correlation alone is not sufficient to advance our understanding of the processes because it does not strongly link cause and effect; at best, it is a hypothesis and needs to be supported by functional studies. Results from most candidate gene studies cannot be replicated, often because there is insufficient experimental power or appropriate statistical analysis, leading to false-positive results. There is one exception: for Mendelian traits, single gene analyses are expected (i.e., myostatin and the double muscling phenotype).

Thematic Discussions
Animal Production Science supplements its broad coverage by publishing Special Issues and Research Fronts.

All papers are peer reviewed.

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

The target readership for Animal Production Science is scientists in industry or academia involved in either research or animal production, veterinarians interested in the science underlying their practice, and students. It is also a valuable resource for administrators and policymakers who interface with this discipline..

Animal Production Science is pleased to offer a Young Scientist Award for the best oral or poster paper presented at the biennial conferences of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, and the Australian Association of Animal Sciences.

Follow the journal on social media using hashtag #AnimalProdSci

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CSIRO Publishing publishes and distributes scientific, technical and health science books, magazines and journals from Australia to a worldwide audience and conducts these activities autonomously from the research of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of, and should not be attributed to, the publisher or CSIRO.