NJAP Policy Statement
Scope Statement for the Nigerian Journal of Animal Production (NJAP)
- Purpose
The Nigerian Journal of Animal Production (NJAP) is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in the field of animal production. The journal aims to publish high-quality research, review articles, and technical reports that contribute to the scientific understanding and practical application of animal production practices in Nigeria and beyond.
Scope
2.1 Topics Covered
The NJAP covers a broad range of topics related to animal production, including but not limited to:
Animal Production and Management: Innovations and practices in the management and care of livestock and poultry.
Breeding and Genetics: Research on genetic improvement, breeding techniques, and reproductive technologies.
Livestock Nutrition: Studies on animal feed formulation, nutrient requirements, and feeding practices.
Animal Health: Research on veterinary care, disease prevention, and management strategies.
Production Systems: Insights into various production systems, including intensive, extensive, and mixed systems.
Animal Welfare: Issues and practices related to the well-being and ethical treatment of animals.
Sustainable Practices: Research on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in animal production.
Livestock Economics and Policy: Analysis of economic aspects, market trends, and policy impacts on the animal production industry.
Technological Advancements: Innovations and technological developments that impact animal production and management.
2.2 Target Audience
The NJAP targets a diverse audience, including:
Academic researchers and scientists in animal production and related fields.
Practitioners and professionals in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, and animal nutrition.
Policy makers and industry stakeholders interested in animal production and agricultural development.
Students and educators involved in animal science and related disciplines.
2.3 Article Types
The journal publishes various types of articles, including:
Original Research Articles: Detailed reports of new research findings and scientific studies.
Review Articles: Comprehensive reviews of existing literature on specific topics within animal production.
Technical Notes: Short reports on practical innovations or new techniques.
Case Studies: In-depth analyses of specific instances or applications in animal production.
Editorials and Commentaries: Opinions and perspectives on current issues and trends in animal production.
2.4 Geographic Focus
The journal welcomes high-quality submissions that have broader implications on the advancement of animal production from authors worldwide.
2.5 Research Methodology
The journal accepts research employing a variety of methodologies, including:
Experimental research and field trials
Observational studies and surveys
Modeling and simulation
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
2.6 Quality and Integrity
All submissions are subjected to a rigorous peer-review process to ensure scientific rigor, originality, and relevance. The NJAP upholds high ethical standards and requires that all research comply with ethical guidelines for animal welfare and scientific integrity.
Editorial Policy
3.1 Submission Process
Authors must follow the journal’s submission guidelines and formatting requirements.
All manuscripts undergo an initial screening for relevance and quality before being sent for peer review.
3.2 Review Process
The journal employs a double-blind peer review process to ensure unbiased evaluation of submissions.
Reviewers are selected based on their expertise and are required to provide constructive feedback to authors.
3.3 Publication Ethics
The NJAP adheres to ethical standards for publication, including issues of plagiarism, authorship, and conflict of interest.
Authors are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and to adhere to ethical guidelines for research involving animals.
Updates and Revisions
The scope of NJAP is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with current trends and developments in the field of animal production.
Changes to the scope will be communicated to the journal’s stakeholders and updated on the journal’s website (njap.org.ng).
- Contact Information
For inquiries regarding submissions, editorial policies, or other journal-related matters, please contact the NJAP editorial office at the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria/(nsapjournals@gmail.com; njap.org.ng).
Ethics and Malpractice Statement
The Nigerian Journal of Animal Production (NJAP) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in the publication of research. This statement outlines our expectations for ethical behavior and procedures for addressing malpractice.
- Ethical Standards:
1.1. Research Integrity:
Authors must ensure that their research is conducted ethically and that it adheres to accepted standards of scientific conduct. This includes obtaining necessary approvals from relevant ethics committees or institutional review boards where applicable.
1.2. Authorship and Contributors:
Authorship credit should be based on substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. All individuals who meet these criteria should be listed as authors. Individuals who have contributed to the research but not to the extent of authorship should be acknowledged in the acknowledgment section. Corresponding authors are responsible for ensuring that all co-authors approve the final version of the manuscript and agree with its submission.
1.3. Handling of Complaints and Appeals:
The NJAP is committed to addressing any complaints or appeals regarding the review and publication process. Authors and reviewers may submit formal complaints or appeals to the editorial board. The editorial board will review these concerns and take appropriate action, which may include a reevaluation of the manuscript or review process.
1.4. Intellectual Property:
Authors must ensure that their work does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Proper permissions must be obtained for any copyrighted material included in the manuscript. The NJAP respects intellectual property rights and expects authors to adhere to legal and ethical standards.
1.5. Data Sharing and Reproducibility:
Authors are encouraged to share their data in a manner that allows for verification and reproducibility of their results. Data sets should be made available upon reasonable request, and authors should provide clear details about their methodology to enable replication of their studies.
1.6. Conflicts of Interest:
All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their work or judgment. Financial, personal, or professional relationships that may impact objectivity should be declared at the time of submission and during the review process. Authors should disclose sources of financial support and other potential conflicts.
1.7. Originality and Plagiarism:
Submitted manuscripts must be original work, not previously published or under consideration elsewhere. Plagiarism, including the use of others' work without proper citation, is strictly prohibited. All sources must be accurately and appropriately cited.
1.8 Branding
All authors should note that the results presented are entirely that of the researchers as NJAP does not promote or endorse branded products used in studies conducted by the researchers.
Research Misconduct:
2.1. Detection and Reporting:
The NJAP takes allegations of research misconduct seriously. The NJAP employs a rigorous peer-review process to detect unethical practices and potential misconduct. Reviewers, editors, and readers are encouraged to report any suspected cases of misconduct or malpractice including data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and unethical practices to the editorial board.
2.2. Investigation and Action:
Suspected cases of misconduct will be investigated thoroughly. The editorial board will take appropriate action based on the findings, which may include retraction of published articles, correction of records, and reporting to relevant institutions or authorities. Depending on the severity of the offence, the culprit may be blacklisted from further publishing in the NJAP.
2.3. Retraction and Correction:
The NJAP encourages post-publication discussion and corrections to ensure the accuracy of the published record. Authors, readers, and reviewers can request corrections or raise concerns about published articles in cases of significant errors or misconduct. Corrections or retractions will be published as necessary, to ensure the accuracy of the scientific record and will be clearly marked and linked to the original article.
Commitment to Ethical Practice:
The NJAP is dedicated to upholding these ethical standards and addressing any breaches of conduct. We believe that fostering an ethical environment is crucial for the advancement of animal science and the integrity of our scholarly community.
Copyright and Licensing:
4.1. Copyright:
Upon acceptance of a manuscript, authors transfer copyright to the NJAP. This transfer allows the journal to publish, distribute, and make the article available through various channels. Authors retain rights to use their work for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution to the journal is given.
4.2. Licensing:
The NJAP follows an open-access model. Published articles are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, allowing others to freely share and adapt the work, provided proper credit is given and changes are indicated.
- Responsibilities of Editors and Reviewers:
5.1. Fairness:
Editors and reviewers must evaluate manuscripts based on their scientific merit without bias. They should maintain confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
5.2. Confidentiality:
Reviewers and editors must not disclose any details of the submitted manuscripts or review processes to unauthorized individuals.
5.3. Constructive Feedback:
Reviewers are expected to provide constructive and objective feedback to improve the quality of the manuscript and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the published research.
Author Fees:
6.1. Fees:
The journal charges a processing fee of ₦5,000 and a publication fee of ₦55,000 are charged for local authors submitting to the NJAP while for international authors, a processing fee of $20 and publication fee of $80 are charged upon acceptance of manuscript for publication. The journal is committed to ensuring that financial considerations do not impede the dissemination of research.
Access, Archiving, Ownership, and Management:
7.1. Access:
All articles published in the NJAP are freely accessible online, promoting the dissemination and impact of research findings.
7.2. Archiving:
The NJAP ensures long-term preservation and accessibility of published articles through digital archiving systems and partnerships with established repositories.
7.3. Ownership and Management:
The NJAP is owned and managed by Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP). The editorial board oversees the journal’s operations, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and the integrity of the publication process.
7.4. Revenue Sources:
The NJAP generates revenue through institutional support, grants, and sponsorships. The journal is committed to transparency regarding its revenue sources and ensuring that financial interests do not influence editorial decisions.
7.5. Subscription and Advertising:
Advertising in the NJAP is handled with strict adherence to ethical standards. Advertisements must not influence the content or review process of the journal. All advertising content will be clearly distinguished from editorial content.
The current annual subscription is ₦25,000 for non-members and ₦30,000 for organization and institutions within the country. It costs one hundred and twenty eight US Dollars (US $128) for subscription outside Nigeria. Correspondence concerning subscriptions and purchase of single or back copies of the journal should be addressed to the Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Journal of Animal Production. E-mail: nsapjournals@gmail.com
