Updates and research results will be added over time to give you more detailed information.

Effects on Elk Velvet Antler (EVA) on the Liver & Liver Disease Research

For more information you can email Dr. Susan Hemmings @ U of S:
hemmings@sask.usask.ca

Causes of Mortality & Morbidity of Farmed Wapiti & Deer

Being conducted by Dr. Jerry Haigh, the project objective is to gather information on diseases in farmed wapiti and deer in Alberta & Saskatchewan as well as ancillary information from other labs in other regions. Once gathered, the information will be used to publish results and assist producers to control potential problems through improved management and reduction of risk factors. The conditions that cause the most serious economic loss would be identified and would allow the development of methods to deal with them.

Velvet Antler Research

The effects of Canadian velvet antler on wound healing, also being conducted by Dr. Jerry Haigh, will test the ability of velvet antler on wound healing in rats. If results are as anticipated, this would benefit both medical and veterinary practices for routine management of surgical patients and accident victims. This would also be a great benefit for producers and marketers of velvet antler.

Recent funding has also been provided to Dr. Martha Lyon for her research project titled, "The effect of elk antler on blood cholesterol levels and blood clotting disorders".

Previous funding for velvet antler research includes Marion Allen's (RN) study into the effects of velvet antler on mild rheumatoid arthritis and the possible interactions with other drugs. Her pilot study found no negative interaction between elk velvet antler with other medications. Research subjects also showed trend towards improvement.

Collaborative Research Agreement Re: live test for TB.

This research is under the direction of Dr. Murray Woodbury. The object of the research is to improve the live test for Tuberculosis. The Canadian Venison Council and the University of Saskatchewan are among those involved.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Working with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food in a voluntary surveillance program for CWD. Producers who enroll in this program will be certified by SAF and will help trade within Canada and the international marketplace.

Specialized Livestock Market Research Group

Provided funding for a summer student to research literature for scientific studies on antler velvet; research North American and European regulations; consult with producers and processors; work with the scientific community; and compile the scientific and regulatory information. The highlights of the information are to be presented in a report to SEBA and other interested parties.

P.tenuis and E.cervi Testing

Mass Production and Validation of Recombinant Antigens For Use in ELISA Tests to Diagnose E.cervi and P.tenuis Infections In Game-farmed Animals. Conducted by Dr. Dele Ogunremi, funding was provided to develop tests for both E.cervi and P.tenuis. The research has been recently extended due to additional funding provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Funding was also provided to Dr. Mike Duffy at the University of New Brunswick for research into the disease P.tenuis. The goal; a diagnostic test for P.tenuis in elk.

Antler Science Symposium

SEBA was one of the major sponsors of Dr. Jeong Sim's Antler Science and Product Technology Symposium held in Banff, Alberta in April, 2000. SEBA also provided funding to Dr. Sim's antler science and product technology research program at the University of Alberta. The program is looking at ways to improve the overall economic value of antler product.