Advancing the health of All Cocker through DNA collection for research.
Banking On Our Future: Cocker DNA Bank Program
With the Dog Genome Project almost complete, we understand how important it is for us as breeders, to develop genetic resources to learn more about the health conditions that affect Cockers.
Led by the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association working with Dr. Gary Johnson at the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine, many breed parent clubs now have dedicated DNA Banks. These banks are repositories of DNA submitted by owners and breeders from around the world.
The American Spaniel Club Foundation has joined them and the Cocker DNA Bank will be a ready resource to researchers working on a variety of canine health conditions. The DNA Bank streamlines the recruitment process.
Banked, Cocker DNA may be withdrawn by Dr. Johnson, or the ASC Foundation for approved research projects that benefit American Cocker Spaniels. And ten percent of the DNA sample from each dog submitted, belongs to the donor and can be withdrawn for specific research projects important to you.
Submit your Cocker’s DNA free during the first year
To encourage participation, the ASC Foundation is paying the $10 storage cost per Cocker until May 2005. This is a ONE TIME fee paid to the university. The ASCF also has a program to help clubs host local Cocker DNA Collection Clinics by reimbursing the club or breeder group, $2 per Cocker. This will help with clinical supplies and mailing of samples. You just need to send a blood sample, tissue sample, semen or even the docked puppy tails, with the Individual Dog Questionnaire to Dr. Johnson at the university. In addition, there is a Submission Confirmation Form you fill out and send to the Program Coordinator. Instructions and forms are available on this site.
As an added incentive for ASC affiliate clubs and breeder groups to host Banking On Our Future: DNA Blood Draw Clinics, the ASC Foundation will reimburse $2 to the club or group, for each dog collected and submitted to the Cocker DNA Bank. Details on participating as a club or group are available on this site. DNA Blood Draw Clinics. Join us today as we bank on our future, to safeguard our Cockers’ health.
Instructions
