FAQs – Stock Watch Lab

Q: How often should I test my Horses?

A good starting point is seasonal testing. We suggest you should test your horses around 4 times a year. Doing this will ensure that worm pressures don't build up and you can keep on top of any internal parasites issue before they get out of hand! If you are having issues with a particular horse then possibly more regularly may be required.

Q: Will worm testing save me money?

The short answer is absolutely yes, and now the longer response! There will be times you test and get a zero or very low count and therefore you don't have to drench. In this circumstance you have certainly saved, both the cost of the drench, as well as time and labour. There are other times you'll get a result that means your stock are under moderate or extreme worm pressure. By drenching you'll be saving production losses and these can be hugely expensive. We have so much evidence over our years of testing to back this up! Clients who routinely test find they are generally on top of there worm burdens and levels don't get out of control. Testing may not mean you drench less, but it will mean you do it at the right time. Drenching without testing is just a guess!

Q: I see white segments in my sheep dung do I have a bad worm problem?

Maybe not! What you are seeing are tapeworm segments and yes they can look pretty bad! A common misconception when looking at a sample of sheep dung producers make, is they base their decision on the worm status of the mob based on the presence of white “segments”. These white segments are small portions of tapeworm and whilst very visible they are only an indication of the presence of one type of worm. Yes they look bad but it is no indicator of the real worm burden. There are many other worms, mainly roundworms, which are much smaller and their eggs can only be seen under a microscope, these worms have a much greater impact on the well-being of your livestock. In sheep Goats and Alpaca theses are the only parasites you'll see in a sample the real nasties are only visible under the scope. Tapeworm can cause compaction issues when in huge numbers and we see one or two cases of this every year. Apart from that they are not much to worry about. We report the tapeworm level when performing each test, so you only need to be concerned if we report a high level.

Q: Why only one bulked sample for the standard test

Our standard test was developed for your ease of sample collection. (this test is also our Horse test) Ie you are in the paddock and can quickly collect samples with one bag (from the glove box or from your pocket). At the lab we use this entire sample to get the results not just 2 or 3 grams. Our testing shows us that the results are very comparable to sending in 10 individual samples, it is important however when picking up samples for a standard test to try and get equal volumes of dung from each animal. Ie from each deposit collect one or two pellets or one teaspoon. If you wish- of course you can send in 10 individual animal samples to be tested as a standard test. If we receive samples this way for a standard test we weigh each sample prior to mixing ensuring a "true" average. A standard test will give a very good result and is an easy way to collect samples.

Do I need a Test Kit?

How often should I test my Horses?

Will worm testing save me money?

I see white segments in my sheep dung do I have a bad worm problem?

Why only one bulked sample for the standard test