Most of our farmers are familiar with bringing in 10 individual faecal samples for a FEC (faecal egg count). Many are now discovering even more by having a larval culture done.   

A FEC identifies the number of eggs present from a specific group of parasites (Strongyles). But a larval culture goes further by showing the proportion of these additional species present:  

• Ostertagia (Teladorsagia)   

• Trichostrongylus (Trichs)  

• Cooperia 

• Haemonchus 

• And more.  

When assessing whether your drenching programme has been effective, this information provides valuable insight and can assist with decision making around drench products and methods going forward. 

An important difference to remember with these two tests is while FEC samples should be refrigerated immediately to stop hatching, larval culture samples MUST NOT be refrigerated, as this kills the eggs and prevents hatching.  

Larval culture results take about two weeks. However, excitingly, a faster test is in development. Hopefully we’ll have this available for the coming season – watch this space.