[Could a synopsis be a solution in opening up so-called 'grey' veterinary research literature?].

This paper outlines the philosophical basis of the synopsis, a concise paper in a primary journal based on a more comprehensive document (full paper or report). The author's experiences with a Dutch agricultural synopsis publishing project are summarised as well as the results of a recent comparative citation analysis. Synopses were found to be judged citable by readers, but inaccurate procedures handled by secondary information producers (abstract journals) are a confounding factor. The author suggests that a Dutch veterinary synopsis project based on unpublished research reports could be a sensible and feasible venture provided certain prerequisites are met.