Elk Research Foundation

Current Projects

Project 1501 - Puberty Research in Elk Heifers
The ERF Trustees approved a new project to measure trends in breeding conception for elk heifers. The project aims to help answer the age-old question regarding the appropriate age to expose heifers and needed body weight requirements. Dr. Martin Wenkoff, who serves on the board of trustees, proposed the project stating comprehensive data on the project could be very helpful. Learn More

Project 1603 - Tracking Offspring of Elk Carrying Hybrid Genes
This ERF Project intends to take a closer look at known elk hybrids that breed to pure elk. It is well known that elk, red deer and sika deer will hybridize. Though elk hybrids in North American are not common, there is always more to learn when there is intended hybridization on an elk ranch in states that legally allow it. This particular study will follow several pure elk cows that are bred to a known hybrid and track the offspring over several generations. Learn More

Project 1701 - Collecting Elk & Deer Samples for CWD Ante-Mortem Test Research
The ERF Trustees approved a new project to allow the foundation to collect extra samples from Chronic Wasting Disease positive or suspect elk and deer herds to be used for future research. Samples can be used for ongoing trials and/or stored for promising opportunities in the future. The ERF will also act as an intermediary to locate and disseminate CWD samples to qualified researches and laboratories. Learn More

Project 1901: Elk Scientific Literature Database
The Elk Research Foundation has announced plans for the creation of a comprehensive online database of scientific literature relating to elk health studies. The database, which aims to collect hundreds of articles to be sorted by subject, is modeled off the successful work completed by the National Bison Foundation, which completed a catalog of bison literature. Learn More

Project 1903: Elk DNA Genomic Sequencing Collection Analysis
The Elk Research Foundation is starting phase two in the quest of learning more about elk sequencing technologies. The ERF is working with Dr. Chris Seabury of Texas A&M University, who has developed DNA technologies or white-tailed deer and mule already. Learn More

Project 2102: Elk DNA Genomic Sequencing Collection - Part Two
The Elk Research Foundation is collecting DNA hair samples from farmed elk across the United States and Canada to assist the validation of an elk genome. In 2019, the Elk Research Foundation partnered with Dr. Chris Seabury of Texas A&M University by collected elk DNA samples, who is learning more about elk sequencing technologies. Dr. Seabury's recent work includes creation of a white-tailed deer genome. Learn More



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