Study design
Goats were assigned at random to pens. But complete randomisation can increase the difficulties of day-to-day management of the experiment. In contrast, grouping goats receiving the same feeding regime together in the same block of pens would simplify feeding and reduce possible errors. This might be suitable for an experiment in a well controlled environment provided that there are insignificant variations associated with the position of a pen within the house. Experimental design can thus become a compromise between what is theoretically desirable and what is practically manageable and may well depend on the availability and quality of experimental attendants. |
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