Faecal egg counting

   

​What is faecal egg counting?

 
When animals are infested with internal parasites ("worms"), the adult worms lay eggs which pass out in the animals' dung (faeces). By counting the number of eggs in the faeces ("faecal egg count" or FEC), we are able to determine how large the parasite burden is. Faecal egg counting can be performed on a mob of animals in two ways:

Mob counts - for sheep this involves taking 25-30 samples; for cattle 15 samples - then combining them before testing the composite sample. This more cost-effective technique will give you an average count for the mob and is useful for monitoring trends

Individual counts - taking 10 samples from 10 different animals and testing each sample. This will give you an idea of the variability of egg counts and is most useful when doing a drench check (10-12 days after drenching to test the effectiveness of the drench).
Parasite control is necessary to maintain animal health and productivity Parasite control is necessary to maintain animal health and productivity

​Faecal egg counting service

 
Ravensdown has a laboratory testing service for faecal egg counting, which is accessed via a special faecal egg counting testing kit (similar to a self-sampling soil test kit).
 
Samples collected by the farmer will be sent in a courier pack and results will be sent back to the farmer, with recommendations, via one of the Ravensdown animal health team.  Full instructions are included on the back of the submission form in the sampling kit.
 
Testing kits can be ordered from the Ravensdown customer centre by phoning 0800 100 123.  Kits include sample bags, gloves and containers, along with a return courier pack to send your samples to the laboratory for testing. 
 
Please note that the charges for these tests will be charged to your Ravensdown account upon request of the testing kit.
 

Sampling process

 
The critical part of faecal egg count testing is that the laboratory must receive the faecal samples as soon as possible after collection – this is to avoid worm eggs hatching before arriving in the laboratory.
 

Collect random, fresh, samples directly from the paddock (avoid collecting soil or plant matter)

Squeeze all air out of bag and seal properly – this will slow the hatching of the eggs

Place the sample bag into the plastic box and seal properly

Place the completed submission forma nd the plastic container into the courier bag provided

Phone the courier to arrange pick up of the courier pack. (the phone number is on the reverse of the courier pack provided)

Refrigerate (but do not freeze) the courier pack until it is sent.  (it can last for several days in the fridge)

Do not send on a Friday or the day before a public holiday 

 
More specific details for Sheep or Cattle sampling are outlined on the faecal egg counting submission form.
 

Self testing option

For further information, to make arrangements for testing or to speak with one of our animal health team about this service, please contact our Ravensdown Customer Centre on 0800 100 123.