associations for use in public relations events. A book of the proceedings of the benchmark meeting, which contains all of the science presented will be available very soon.

ASPT Society International (ASPTSI)

The symposium delegates unanimously reached a resolution to form ASPT Society International (ASPTSI). The University of Alberta was commissioned to carry out the following mandates

· To organize the International Symposia on ASPT every two years in Banff.

· To edit and publish the ASPT book series.

· To create a quarterly "International Journal of ASPT"

· To disseminate scientific information among the membership via the Internet (www.velvetantler.com)

· To share scientific and business information among the members.

· To create synergy among scientific and business communities.

· To train postgraduate students in the Research Discipline of Antler Science and Product Technology.

· To build a solid scientific foundation of antler nutraceutical for the health industry.

ASPT Research Centre

An Antler Science and Product Technology Center at the University of Alberta was proposed and adopted at the ASPT symposium. The centre's mandate is to build a solid scientific foundation of antler science, to promote the advancement of knowledge in antler science through research, and to assist in building science-based antler industry in Alberta. It will make the quickly growing antler industry stand tall in the emerging functional food market around the world. The Centre's primary focus is on the research and development of antler nutraceucticals in the discipline areas of chemistry, molecular biology, clinical nutrition, and food safety. The ASPT symposium has planned a significant spin-off fund of $500,000, and this entire fund will be dedicated to establishing the ASPT Research Centre at the University of Alberta. A matching opportunity is currently sought.

· $10,000 donated by Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association (realized)

· $10,000 donated by Alberta Elk Association (realized)

· $15,000 donated by North American Elk Breeders Association (realized)

· $45,000 processing industry sponsorships

· $32,000 raised by elk industry committee

· $5,000 Alberta Heritage Fund for Health Research

· $300,000 revenue from sales of book of proceedings ($120 X 2500 books)

· $83,000 donation promised by industry

· Total Seed Fund = $500,000

ASPT Book of Proceedings

Dr. Sim is currently undertaking a peer-review process to publish a book entitled "Antler Science and Product Technology." The book collects the science from the Antler Science and Product Technology Symposium. It will be an invaluable resource to anyone in the velvet or health industries.

It will be available to all members through participating industry associations around the world (14 countries), through the Internet Web page (www.velvetantler.com), and directly from the ASPT Centre at the University of Alberta.

More that 100 copies have been pre-sold. This book will serve as a key reference, not only for velvet researchers and the velvet industry, but also more broadly for researchers in related disciplines including agriculture, nutrition, medicine, pharmacology and biotechnology. It will be the first of its kind, a comprehensive reference source exclusively on the subject of antler science and product technology.

In Part I, Dr. Bubenik, one of the pioneers in antler research, presents a paper, "The Wonder of Nature: Structure and Function of Antlers, Regulation of Their Potential in Medicine." In the scope of antler biology, the presentations include:

· "A Close Look at the Morphological and Histological Changed: Deer Generation" by Dr. C. Li (New Zealand)

· "Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms of Antler Regeneration" by Dr. J. S. Price (United Kingdom)

· "Spontaneous Mineralization, Partial Velvet Shedding and Antler Sequestration in Castrated Fallow Deer Bucks" Dr. L. Bartos (Czech Republic)

· "A Close Look at Endocrinological Changed: Hormonal Control of Antlers During Growth and Mineralization Phases" by Dr. A. J. Sempere (France)

· "A Close Look at Antler Induction: The Role of the Antlerogenic Periosteum for Pedicle and Antler Formation in Deer" by Dr. H. Kierdorf (Germany)

· "Histomorphology and Physiology of 'Living' Hard Antlers: Evidence for Substance Transport into Polished Antlers Via the Vascular System" By Dr. H. J. Rolf (Germany)

· "Characterization of Genes Expressed in the Growing Velvet Antler Tip of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)" by Dr. E. A. Lord (New Zealand)