Manure Storage Methods for Fecal Egg Counts Tested
Researchers found that samples can be refrigerated for up to a week without adverse effects on egg counts. | Photo: Photos.com
Modern-day deworming strategies are much more intricate than the once popular rotational treatment approach. Veterinarians now encourage selective and targeted treatments to preserve the efficacy of deworming medications while managing horses’ internal parasite burdens.

Fecal egg counts are an important tool for evaluating horses’ parasite levels and subsequently selecting the appropriate treatment. But once a manure sample is collected, it’s not always possible to run the test immediately.

“Samples are often stored for a period of time, but it is not fully understood how different storage methods affect egg recovery,” said Jennie A.H. Crawley, a postgraduate student in the University of Sheffield Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, in the United Kingdom.

“With any veterinary diagnosis or any research study, it is important that methods are reliable,” she said, “and improving the reliability of egg counts will help animal owners more accurately assess the health status of their animals and allow selective treatment

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