FAQ
What is the on site testing process?
Contact us and let us know how we can help you. Tell us a few details of your stock, and let us know where you are located so we can organise a time and date to check your stock. Or, you can call us, let us know you are interested, and based on your management calendar, we can work out some key future dates to test.
We will visit your property. On the first visit, it is advised that someone on-farm shows us which stock in which paddocks you would like us to test. In future visits, you are welcome to continue being in the ute with us, and it provides a good chance to chat about the details of your stock. If you are short on time, we are also comfortable to collect samples independently. Collecting samples involves holding the sheep in a corner of their paddock for 5-10 minutes, until a good portion of the mob has defecated.
We can also collect samples from yarded sheep rectally if they have not been yarded for an extended period of time. If the sheep have had the chance to empty their gut, a false, high result may occur.
Following collection of samples, testing can be conducted on site. I have everything I need to conduct a test with me- occasionally, I may need access to a tap.
I will be able to collect and provide your results quickly, and provide you with a recommended course of action for each mob based on your upcoming management activities and plans for each stock class.
We can discuss a plan for future key dates/ time periods to test.
Our aim is to reduce the workload for you in monitoring and managing your worm burden. Let us know how we can make our service work for you.
When should I request a worm egg count?
Here are our suggestions for properties within the Victorian winter rainfall region:
4-6 weeks following a rain event that has resulted in green pick.
7-10 days prior to mustering sheep for a management event (weaning, preg scanning, joining, pre lambing, etc).
Prior to your second summer drench- depending on conditions, it may not be necessary.
If you suspect you have a worm problem- test! Worms may, or may not be, the culprit.
If your property has a problem with barber’s pole worm- conduct regular tests throughout the warmer months.
Regularly test weaners, especially after rain events.
Please give us a call so we can work our service in with your management calendar help you make testing as easy as possible.
What counting methods do you use to obtain a result?
I use a mixture of both the McMaster method and the FecpakG2 machine. The McMaster method is used while testing on site, and the FecpakG2 is used in the office frequently to cross check and ensure counting accuracy.