How To Conduct a Fecal Egg Count At Home: Sheep and Goats

How To Conduct a Fecal Egg Count At Home: Sheep and Goats. This is the best, most comprehensive video for completing high quality fecal egg counts at your own home. Tired of paying the vet to complete your fecal egg counts? Do it yourself and save. Help protect your sheep and goats from parasites such as Barber's Pole Worm, Tape Worms, and Coccidia. Learn to complete your own Fecal Egg Samples.
Special thanks to all our sponsers on patreon, especially to Brian and Abby for their continued support!
1:20 Choose your test subject
2:24 Obtain the sample
6:15 Prepare the solution
10:00 Centrifuge
11:05 Reconstitute the solution
14:00 Prepare simple slip/slide
14:55 Prepare a McMaster's Slide
16:55 Completing the count/reading results
Less than 200 EPG = No Drench Advised
200-500 = Seek Vet or Livestock Management Advise
Greater than 500 = Medication Intervention Advised
EPG= Eggs per gram
Equipment Used in This Video:
McMaster's Slide: www.amazon.com...
Fecal Float Solution: www.amazon.com...
Centrifuge: www.amazon.com...
Test Tubes: www.amazon.com...
Beaker and Cylinders: www.amazon.com...
Lab pipette: www.amazon.com...
Lab Wash Bottle: www.amazon.com...
22 Piece Spatula and Stirs: www.amazon.com...
Microscope Slide and Slip Cover Kit: www.amazon.com...
Microscope: www.amazon.com...
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[@tjjurake3506]

I have had a McMaster slide for years and have never used it because I was confused about how to prepare the sample and read it. Your video makes sense. I worked as a vet tech for 15 years and we never used the centrifuge for fecals. This is why I watch your channel. Always current with trustworthy content. Thank you!

[@LinessaFarms]

I really hadn’t started to see centrifuge usage that much until the last 5-10 years or so and I was told it wasn’t that big of a deal. Now, it’s considered best practice. After using it and seeing the difference, it’s pretty amazing. I should probably do a video of processing a sample with and without centrifuge usage. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave us a comment. We appreciate your continued support.

[@rz1723]

Great video. Had our first round of vet cost for sick goats. This is gonna be a game changer

[@thelittlethingskate9567]

Hey Tim! Huge, HUGE thank you for this video and all the content you put out! I purchased all the things in your list here, but hadn’t gotten around to doing any fecals on my goats yet. My friend has a goat that’s been pretty sick, so we decided to try our hand at it, as we watched this video step by step. We discovered an insane parasite load, with at least 3 different kinds of eggs that we could identify. I’m certain your video here has saved her entire herd. Thank you, thank you!

[@LinessaFarms]

Wow! This is great. I’m very happy this was able to help you and your friend out. Sounds like you got a good return on your investment. Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment and thank you for watching our videos!

[@iwantosavemoney]

This is what I was interested in the very first time I heard you say try and be the subject matter expert in one field this has revived my in interest in doing this I really appreciate your time and knowledge for putting out this video.

[@LinessaFarms]

Very good. 👍🏻 We are glad to help.

[@angelawallace5413]

I’ve looked for a home version demonstration of centrifuged egg count, for years! I even got a used centrifuge and ended up selling it for lack of instruction. This is exactly what I have been lookin for! Thank you!

[@LinessaFarms]

You’re very welcome, Angela. We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a message. We hope to hear from you again!

[@dawnandmyrabbit]

Invaluable info. I've been afraid to jump into doing any of this..until I saw this video. So well done & I realize that I can absolutely do it. Thank you SO much for making this video, as well as providing all of the additional info below it! Thank you!!!

[@dianeschrader1280]

Excellent information and the proper procedures to get accurate counts. Thank you for sharing! Making us all better Shepherds!

[@LinessaFarms]

Thanks, Diane. We appreciate your continued support. 😌

[@gemmac565]

Thank you for this video! I have been wanting to do my own fecal egg counts.

[@LinessaFarms]

Great! Keep us posted on how things go. 👍🏻

[@mmcallahan]

Best video on doing your own FEC I've seen! The process sounded like it might be too much to do at home, but your breakdown of the steps makes it feel very doable. Thank you!

[@LinessaFarms]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to leave a message. Please let us know how it goes!

[@moniqueperez8876]

Great video !!!! I’ve been waiting for this . Thank you so much

[@LinessaFarms]

You’re very welcome.

[@bencovington1121]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks for posting. This kind of help is not easy to find.

[@chelseaanderson418]

How do you clean supplies like the spatulas and sieve between samples?

[@LinessaFarms]

I will usually use a 10% bleach solution and then allow them to air dry. Thanks for the question

[@jakemir]

Thank you for this detailed explanation and taking the time to create this video and provide links to all of the tools and equipment needed to make these tests from home. I just placed an order for all the materials and I am excited to get started

[@ebdetails]

Thank you so much for such a concise and informative video!

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you very much for watching and for taking the time to leave a kind comment. We hope you are able to use this to save some money and increase the health of your flock/herd!

[@TheSassyshooter]

I think you may have a false low number on your centrifuge count. You may want to run a passive float on that goat to compare results to validate your technique. (My understanding is the eggs still float, the solid debris in the bottom is trash. Just top off the tube and apply the coverslip and let stand.)

[@LinessaFarms]

Different methods. We done it both ways. We actually get higher egg counts with the pour off method. With that being said, I completely understand where you are coming from as we have seen and used the method you describe as well. The centrifuge will push the eggs to the bottom it seems just adding liquid over the top kinda defeats the purpose of the centrifuge. I have included a video link for you that does a better job of explaining it that I can. Let me know what you think. Thank you for watching and taking time to leave a comment. Getting input from other people is always helpful and we are always learning too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZecpaOQnJmtqpo

[@teach1rusl]

@@LinessaFarms I'm presuming you're meaning that, when using plain water, the eggs will be pushed to the bottom by the centrifugal force? I think that's what Betsy may have been getting at; I'm guessing she tests more along the lines of modified wisconsin...where we spin in float solution, so the debris is pushed down, and the eggs are lighter than the liquid, so they float up.

[@terril2643]

This was really good and informative Tim. I have stopped using McMaster slides and just using the regular one. I can't seem to see well on the McMaster. But!, I found cocci in one doe, took in to lab here... Returned with no cocci.... Sent sample into meadows mist and came back with moderate cocci I had no idea about the centrifuge! Thanks for the video!!

[@LinessaFarms]

No worries. Yes, that centrifuge makes a HUGE difference.

[@Terri-lg8gu]

Thank you very much for this video. I am wondering where the multiplication factor of 50 comes from. Thank you for your time and for all of your videos; we have learned so much!

[@LinessaFarms]

When performing a Fecal Egg Count (FEC) using a McMaster slide, you multiply your count by 50 to estimate the number of eggs per gram (EPG) of feces. This multiplication factor is part of the standard procedure for the McMaster method and is used to compensate for the dilution factor involved in preparing the sample. Here’s a basic overview of why the factor of 50 is used: Sample Preparation: A specific amount of feces is mixed with a flotation solution. Typically, 2 grams of feces are mixed with 58 grams (or milliliters) of the solution, making a total volume of 60 grams (ml). This creates a 1:30 feces-to-solution ratio. Filling the McMaster Chamber: A small portion of this mixture is then placed on the McMaster slide. The slide is designed to cover a specific volume under the grid areas where the eggs are counted. The volume under the grids of a McMaster slide is usually 0.15 ml (150 µl). Calculation: Since only a small portion of your original mixture is actually examined under the microscope, you need to calculate back to find the concentration of eggs in the entire gram of feces. The dilution (1:30) and the volume observed under the microscope (0.15 ml) are taken into account to determine this concentration. Multiplying the count by 50 adjusts for both the dilution of the fecal sample and the specific volume observed, giving you the EPG (eggs per gram of feces). The multiplication by 50 is essentially a convenient way to scale up the microscopic observation to a meaningful value that represents the concentration of eggs in the entire sample, allowing for easy comparison and assessment of the parasite load.

[@Terri-lg8gu]

Thank you for taking the time to respond and your explanation. It is much appreciated 😊

[@theozarksjourneytoself-suf5420]

@@LinessaFarms Why are the other videos saying to multiply by 100? Are there different ways to calculate for different reasons? I've just been scrolling videos to see how this is done, and I noticed the others mentioned multiplying by 100 to get EPG. Also, thank you for pointing out the "silent carrier".. I'm not sure how that works. You would think with that many eggs, he would have a ton of parasites sucking blood from him. I guess he is compensating well?

[@LinessaFarms]

This message was missed because you asked a question and pasted it under an old question and response. The difference in multiplication factors when using a McMaster slide for fecal egg counts (FEC) is due to the volume of the fecal suspension placed on the slide and the specific design of the McMaster chamber used. This determines the volume of feces being examined and affects the multiplication factor needed to estimate the number of eggs per gram (EPG) of feces. 1. **Multiplication by 50**: This factor is typically used when each chamber of the McMaster slide holds 0.15 mL of fecal suspension. Since the entire slide (two chambers) holds 0.3 mL, if you aim to calculate eggs per gram of feces, and you originally made up your sample in a ratio to account for this volume, multiplying by 50 is appropriate. For example, if 3 grams of feces are mixed with 42 mL of flotation solution, resulting in a 45 mL suspension, using 0.3 mL on the slide means you need to multiply the observed count by 50 to estimate the EPG. 2. **Multiplication by 100**: This factor is generally used when each chamber holds 0.1 mL, and the total for both chambers is 0.2 mL. If the sample is prepared in a way that this 0.2 mL is representative of the larger sample, then multiplying the observed egg count by 100 gives an accurate EPG. The critical aspect is consistency in preparation and calculation. The preparation of the fecal sample, the volume used, and the total volume of the fecal suspension must all be carefully managed to use the correct multiplication factor and ensure accurate FEC results. Always follow the specific protocol associated with your type of McMaster slide to determine the appropriate factor.

[@theozarksjourneytoself-suf5420]

@@LinessaFarms Thank you so very much for explaining this... I was totally confused... You are awesome, and I love your channel. I'm always recommending it to others with goats.

[@alisonfinlayson2758]

Thank you so much for posting great videos. Can you please tell me how you can tell the difference from regular strongylid vs barberpole. I also just go a centrifuge and do not find the samples as clear in my McMaster slide. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@jeanettewestover]

Thank you. So informative

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you. We appreciate you watching.

[@Shiloh3498]

Can't thank you enough for this video!

[@LinessaFarms]

You’re very welcome, Larry. We appreciate your continued support.

[@folsterfarms]

Thank you for sharing Doobie’s doodie. LOL! Great video, and VERY helpful!

[@LinessaFarms]

Doobie wasn’t necessarily a “willing participant” but he is happy to maintain a low worm count. Phil is getting his copper sulfate drench this morning. While we weren’t pleased that Phil had such a high egg count, it worked out well for demonstration purposes. Unfortunately, the same phenomenon occurs with coccidia. Every farm has its shedders. It’s a matter of finding out who they are. As always, thanks for watching and taking the time to leave us a kind message. 😌

[@dianeschrader1280]

@@LinessaFarms so is Phil more resistant to the parasite load even though he is a shedder?

[@tjjurake3506]

@@dianeschrader1280 I would call him tolerant of his worm load. If he were resistant his immune system would not allow him to harbour such a load.

[@LinessaFarms]

His body is extremely tolerant of the worms to the point they basically have a symbiotic relationship. He has some limited immunity or he would be overran by the parasite and die. This is the “sweet spot” for the parasite… Phil stays healthy and the parasite gains an opportunity to spread more readily. We see this occur with worms and coccidia often. The adage is, “90 percent of your parasite burden is carried by 10 percent of your stock”. This is a good reason to cull Phil. Although it may seem like a good thing that he can tolerate a worm load so well, he may require higher dosages of medications to keep him clean. Time will tell. If he is difficult to worm, we obviously don’t want those genetics passed on to our flock. We will leave it up to science and see how he responds to a worming with copper sulfate and how long it lasts. Great question.

[@LinessaFarms]

Yes, agreed, TJ

[@LazeeLoper]

Great video!! Thank you 😊👍

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you too!

[@RichlandCreekFarm]

Thank you for sharing this video. Would the result's been has bad for Phil if you had used the NcMaster Slide?

[@LinessaFarms]

Yes. I actually went ahead and retested him with a McMaster slide again to get a more precise count. He was actually a “little better” than I assumed with a score around 800. Once you do this for a while you’ll get a ballpark idea of where their score is by just doing a regular slide. If you want to learn, you can do 2 tubes with the same sample and run one as a simple slide and one as a McMaster. Great question. 👍🏻

[@K9HandlerPro]

That was awesome thank you!

[@LinessaFarms]

You’re very welcome!

[@hollysupa2514]

Why did you fill the second tube with float solution to the top and the first one only to 15 mL?

[@LinessaFarms]

Hi, Holly. I will have to rewatch the video I am assuming it is showing two different preparations. If you are going to do an old-style float solution where the slide is placed on the solution, it has to be filled to the top. Mixing for a McMaster slide requires a specific measurement of solution.

[@hicoteo]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@lorismith6167]

I have a few questions, not saying this doesn’t work, so please don’t take it that way, I’m trying to understand the difference of how I’ve seen in done before. I’ve never seen the fecal mixed with water, typically I see people mixing the solution right in, is there a reason you do it that way? 2nd question - I have a swing head centrifuge and typically put the glass slide top on the test tube and look at that as well as extracting and doing McMaster, does it matter if you use the lids on the tubes while it’s in the centrifuge? Again, typically I see the slides placed on it. Last question - When your dumping out the water mixture, aren’t you getting rid of the eggs you want to see? Thanks for posting, very interesting video!!! Always trying to learn more from others.

[@LinessaFarms]

The centrifuge will push the eggs along with any other material into the material at the bottom of the test tube. Some people seem to think it pushes everything but the eggs. I don’t know how this mentality came about. Perhaps there is another method I’m not aware of. The only time I would mix in float solution right off the bat is if I wasn’t going to spin it down. Technically, you don’t have to lid your tubes as long as it’s balanced properly, you should be fine. I’m confused if you are saying the slides are normally placed on the tubes while in the centrifuge as you would need to form a bubble on the top of the tube to get good slide to liquid contact. This would be setting you up to make a mess in your centrifuge and would only be possible with a swing head centrifuge, which most people don’t have. Again, just differences in technique. I try not to advise people on how to do things I haven’t myself done. This method is just the way I was taught in college and I haven’t seen a lot of other methods. I have included a link to the UCD veterinary college using our method for you to review as well. They offer some additional information you may find helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZecpaOQnJmtqpo

[@lorismith6167]

@@LinessaFarms thank you!

[@LinessaFarms]

@@lorismith6167 you’re welcome. Thank you for watching and thanks for the question. 😬

[@rickhoran8904]

what total magnification was used for the camera shots?

[@LinessaFarms]

Hello, Rick. 400 total

[@feelinlucky51]

Thank you for this video. I have a centrifuge but my test tubes that fit it are only 2mls. Following the formula you provided to prep, can I just fill the solution into the 2ml tubes and get the same result?

[@LinessaFarms]

That should work.

[@leighannsears1028]

What type of test would you call the one you do on the McMaster slide? Does this test have a name? Thank you so much!

[@LinessaFarms]

That’s a great question. We use this method as taught by UC Davis.

[@diamondkelp3993]

Just search mcmasters method

[@cheryllambros3626]

Do you count both samples the same way to get the EPG amount?

[@LinessaFarms]

No. Simple slides/floats without a grid are not able to be quantified properly. I sometimes will do a batch of quick simple floats to see if I have any heavy infestations or problems and will then recheck with a McMaster slide.

[@44warlord41]

Lol, as an airforce dude you may not have made the connection. As a crayon eater I made it right away. "Dooby do-do" lol you kill me. Keep up the good work sir.

[@LinessaFarms]

😂

[@ForensicCats]

I used your links and purchased everything except the microscope... Hope you get a partnership $$$

[@LinessaFarms]

No partnership. We just do what we do for you. We make less money, but feel better. We’ve been there. 😬

[@clc7800]

Hi Tim, Off topic question. I have a 3 year old ram, half Katahdin half Florida Cracker. He is emitting some really pungent odor like the smell of sheep tallow. Is this normal? I have not smelled this before. Thanks

[@LinessaFarms]

Can you tell me more about it? How is he acting? Is it his breath or his body?

[@clc7800]

@@LinessaFarms He is acting normal...going after the ewes...the odor emanates from his body.

[@clc7800]

I also have a one year old ram that has the same smell but not so strong. They in different paddocks. Thanks

[@LinessaFarms]

@@clc7800 any scours?

[@clc7800]

@@LinessaFarms none at all.

[@rileyq2704]

For the Mc Master…Shouldn’t you pull from the top of the test tube instead of mixing it again? I’m thinking all the eggs would float to the top.

[@LinessaFarms]

All the eggs do float to the top. Thats why we mix it again, as compared to the slip cover method. The McMaster slide works by giving you an amount of eggs in a solution, if you don’t mix it and just pull from the top, you will get an abnormally high reading.

[@rileyq2704]

@@LinessaFarms Ok I get it thank you for clarifying.

[@KRowe]

Excellent video- thanks! Go Air Force!

[@LinessaFarms]

Thanks!

[@iwantosavemoney]

I was wondering about getting a microscope that can do semen and test for egg counts also can I get one to do both by chance?

[@LinessaFarms]

If you’re wanting something that will do everything and not be a burden, you will want a binocular microscope with a mechanical stage that allows you to scan the slide without having to move it by hand. I have included a link to a microscope which would work for about anything you can imagine. www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-M82ES-SC100-LP100/dp/B0094JTZOU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=P7V0JXR01CCW&keywords=binocular+microscope&qid=1662403704&sprefix=binocular+%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0

[@kindigkindig4800]

Water distilled with out chemicals

[@LinessaFarms]

No, just tap water but yes, you wouldn’t want anything with added chemicals. The float solution can be made at home but we find the pre-made fecal float solution just works better. The float solution has a specific gravity which encourages the eggs to float to the top.

[@kindigkindig4800]

@@LinessaFarms thanks about the water, already bought solution👍😊