The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: suziequeue on July 04, 2014, 07:31:41 am

Title: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: suziequeue on July 04, 2014, 07:31:41 am

Does anybody have any recommendations for a faecal egg count kit?


I got one from Supplies for Smallholders last year but they don't seem to be doing them…… (or I can't find it on the new website).


Any suggestions?


Thanks

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: Tim W on July 04, 2014, 07:54:17 am

Buy a cheap microscope from Ebay---£80
McMaster slide from Ebay for £20

 and look up instructions /photos

It is very easy and the 'put together kits' are a rip off

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: artscott on July 04, 2014, 08:26:27 am

I second that, it’s very easy to do yourself, luckily I have a microscope at work so use.

However I just had a quick look through what was available online and came across this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-500X-8LED-Digital-USB-Microscope-Endoscope-Magnifier-Camera-Black-UK-Stock-/181403261945?pt=UK_BOI_Medical_Lab_Equipment_Lab_Equipment_ET&hash=item2a3c7a1bf9#ht_5265wt_1399 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-500X-8LED-Digital-USB-Microscope-Endoscope-Magnifier-Camera-Black-UK-Stock-/181403261945?pt=UK_BOI_Medical_Lab_Equipment_Lab_Equipment_ET&hash=item2a3c7a1bf9#ht_5265wt_1399)  .  It seems to be an USB powered microscope with magnification up to 500X  (you only need about 100X for FEC).  I just brought one to see how well it works, at about £15 It would be a considerable saving on the cost of a conventional microscope.  Would also give you the option of a taking a photo to send for a second opinion if you felt unsure of your count.

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: ScotsGirl on July 04, 2014, 08:45:03 am

Have you got a uk supplier name or did you order slides from abroad? All seem to be Canada or US. Can the slides be re-used (obviously would need washing)?

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: ScotsGirl on July 04, 2014, 08:46:55 am

Arts it can you just clarify that you have one in your possession and have tried it successfully? Usually you get what you pay for and it does seem cheap.

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: Rosemary on July 04, 2014, 09:05:36 am

Westgate Laboratories

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: Foobar on July 04, 2014, 11:21:03 am

I got my slides from Chalex, via www.microscopy.uk.com (http://www.microscopy.uk.com/).
Slides are re-usable yes.

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: Blacksheep on July 04, 2014, 12:48:37 pm

We also purchased the Chalax slides and already had a suitable microscope.
 We never seem to find much though and have also had fecs carried out by the vets if we have had a scour problem in lambs - they didn't find much then either and told us it was caused by digestive problems ( from eating grass??).   
CCF stores recently had an open day where they were doing fecs for free and you could watch them being done which was helpful.  Again samples mostly clear or very low counts but they did point out that what you see could be 3 weeks behind the actual worm burden present as you won't see the eggs until the worms are mature and egg laying. 

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: mowhaugh on July 04, 2014, 12:52:23 pm

We use Westagate.

Title: Re: Recommendations for faecal egg count kit
Post by: suziequeue on July 04, 2014, 08:57:46 pm

I have ordered a USB microscope out of curiosity and have gone to the Microscopy website but there are about five different slide products.


two chambered Mc Master slide, three chambered McMaster slide, Paracount -EPG faecal analysis kit, nematode counting slide…… codes choices. There's no mention of Chalex slides……… what are they?