Faecal Egg Worm Counts
Livestock is infested with a range of parasites that may need treatment.
In sheep a Faecal Egg Count (FEC) determines the number of worm eggs in a gram of faeces. This provides an indication of the number of adult worms in the sheep’s gut. An egg count in excess of 500 eggs per gram (epg) is considered high enough to require treatment.
Tables indicating typical counts for various parasites and other general information can be found at the following sites
NSW Department of Industry FEC Counts
NSW Department of Industry Guide to Egg Counts.
NSW Department of Industry Agnote - WormTest for livestock and guide to egg counts
Farmers use FEC to
- Help determine whether treatment is required.
- Test the success of a treatment.
- Provide an indication of the extent of contamination.
While veterinary clinics and other agencies such as NSW DPI ( http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/37049/dai308.pdf) can perform FECs it is possible for farmers to conduct their own test if they have access to the appropriate equipment.
Courses are available to train farmers to perform FEC. Further information can be found at
Equipment required to perform FEC include
- An electronic balance to measure the mass of faeces. An inexpensive balance suitable for this purpose is the Adam Dune DCT 201
- A suitable microscope. Two microscopes recommended by NSW DPI and Rural Biz Training are the TLI CM-30 and the TLI MB-103.
- A Whitlock Stage
Optional equipment include
- A digital eyepiece to view the sample on a computer
- Counting Software to assist with counts.