Use of Statistics, Experimental Design, and Software in Articles Published in the Revista de Producción Animal

Abstract

Due to the ever increasing importance of applying some statistical tools and the experiment design to research, either experimental or of another kind, the Editorial Board of the Revista de Producción Animal (Animal Production Journal), edited by Camagüey University, reviewed the 638 articles herein published from the first issue in 1985 to that corresponding to the journal's 20th anniversary in 2005. Overall articles were classified according to the use and type of statistical analysis, experimental design, and software. Results from three different periods, each with a similar time span, were compared to assess and evaluate the use of the above mentioned tools at different times. An increase in software application, complexity levels, and analytical techniques updating was evident through each period; however, experimental design use was not satisfactory. Although improvement was apparent, more critical requirements are needed in accepting the submitted manuscripts and in statistical arbitration. Therefore, the Editorial Board recommended to train collaborators in managing both the statistical packages and the most advanced analytical techniques.