AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION/AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

QUALITY STANDARDS FOR ABSTRACTS

Adopted by the Board of Directors, October, 1997

An abstract is a communication of restricted length that permits informed readers to evaluate significant contributions of a scientific study, method or technique of teaching or extension. An abstract becomes a part of the permanent literature. Therefore, clearly stated, simple sentences with exact wording must be used to ensure clarity and brevity.

AN ABSTRACT SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. The objective(s) of the presentation are to be clearly and concisely stated at the beginning of the abstract.

2. Pertinent methodological conditions (such as population and sample, design, instrumentation, methodology used, assessment of methodology, data collection, and data analysis) are to be included to define the scope of the work.

3. The information in the abstract is to include those details that directly influence the interpretation or enhance the understanding of the results or methodologies presented.

4. The results are to be compiled, condensed, and presented with great care. Only information that is discussed in the abstract is to be presented. Only data relating to the objectives are to be reported. Any statistical inferences shall be sufficiently detailed to authenticate interpretation of the data. A simple illustrative table may be used if it is the most effective method to convey the results in a clear manner.

5. Abstracts detailing teaching/extension philosophy must be innovative, such as a new idea or creative modification or application of an existing idea. Abstracts are also to be of national significance, demonstrate application of said philosophy, and provide an evaluation of their effectiveness.

6. A clearly stated conclusion is essential.

AN ABSTRACT IS UNACCEPTABLE IF IT:

1. Contains grammatical errors and(or) meaningless statements such as: "The results will be presented."

2. Presents data without appropriate statistical analyses or measurements of data variability.

3. Includes no data or statements relating to the objective(s).

4. Does not use the metric system.

5. Contains typing errors.

6. Fails to comply with submission requirements.

7. Presents opinion/speculation with no demonstrated use in a teaching/extension experience.

The quality of an abstract for presentation is a direct reflection on the image of the author(s), the American Society of Animal Science, and the American Dairy Science Association.

If you need clarification or additional information on abstract quality or submission, please contact the chairperson or the business office.