[supplies for smallholders]

On another thread a discussion took place on worms in pigs - we offered two worm count kits free of charge, one each to the first two people to pm me, on the understanding that the results would be published on this forum.

The first results are now back from the lab, which were the results from one of Lillian Waddell's pigs - When I received the results I checked with Lillian that it was still ok to publish, and she has kindly agreed.

The results for Lillians sample are : 400 epg strongyloides ransomi (Threadworm)

epg = eggs per gramme of sample material

A count of greater than 300 epg is classed as a high count
A level of less than 100 epg is classed as background acceptable level

So even though this pig was showing no obvious signs of worm infestation and nothing obvious in the droppings the count of worm eggs is High.

[robert waddell]

i would like to add to this post that the pigs (4)have been in this woodland retreat since early Nov and none have shown signs of worms  however they will be moved shortly and be wormed
NOW ON THIS WORM THREAD HAS ANYBODY EVER SHONE A TORCH INTO A FIELD WATER TROUGH WHEN DARK (OBVIOSLY) JUST HOLD THE LENS A FEW MM ABOVE THE WATER  YOU WILL SEE RED GREEN AND BLUE WORMS??? THIS WAS WHEN WE HAD CATTLE MANY YEARS AGO WE HAVE NEVER TRIED THIS WITH THE PIGS WATER SUPPLY AS IT IS REGULARLY CLEANED OUT
COMMENTS ARE ACCEPTABLE

[supplies for smallholders]

Hi Lillian,

Those are most likely to be mosquito larvae and not worms.

[robert waddell]

IN SCOTLAND it is never very warm

[supplies for smallholders]

You still get midges and mossies though - been bothered by them up there myself near rivers......

[supplies for smallholders]

The second set of results are now back from the lab, which were the results from one of Leri's pigs - When I received the results I checked with Leri that it was still ok to publish, and she has kindly agreed.

The results for Leri's sample are : 2600 epg strongyloides ransomi (Threadworm)

epg = eggs per gramme of sample material

A count of greater than 300 epg is classed as a high count
A level of less than 100 epg is classed as background acceptable level

It;s interesting that neither Lillian or Leri had seen no indications of a high worm burdon (nothing in the droppings etc) and that in the case of Leri, the ground had never housed pigs before.

Anyway, I personally am now convinced that carrying out a count is a vital element of the worming and rotating plan, and will continue to use and sell the kits.

Thanks to both of you for agreeing to have your results published.

[robert waddell]

a bit of forensics is required  here i think and a worying aspect to pig keepers in general
there is no point in burrying your head in the ground since the worms are there
more people should test for worms?

[supplies for smallholders]

Agreed - But again I fear that it is smallholders who are falling behind the commercial producers - especially the Farm Assured or other approved ones - they have to have scheduled vet visits and carry out regular counts.

Just "tickling their tummies" is sometimes not enough on the welfare side 

[Leri]

I am really shocked at these results! Want to test another couple of pigs now! Have seen the kits in Wynstay here. The one I did test was bought in September at 7 months old and has piglets with her that i intend weaning next week. She's indoors at the moment, but has been outdoors here. So if she had them when she came - then they'll all have them now I suppose. Or obviously any of the pigs could have hed them when bought as weaners - but none of them have ever shown any signs and have only ever used Verm - X :-(
Have got some Flubenol in - but haven't worked out how to work out the doses properly.

[supplies for smallholders]

What really surprises me, is that this thread has not generated more posts and less than 200 views to date.

Is it a case, as Lillian said above, of people burying their heads in the ground?

Have any pig / sheep readers of this post actually thought to themselves "I might have a problem as well" and sought out a worm count from their Vet / Farm Supplies or Us? If so it would be interesting to know how many have.

Thanks

[loosey]

Me 

I've just decided to switch from routine worming of the horses, to having counts done ... we have also just taken in a rescue pony so I'd like to know what to treat her for as she's no doubt full of the horrid things!

This led me to thinking I should do the same for the pigs, all I need to do now is find out the cheapeset way to do it for 3 horses and 3 pigs!!

[ambriel]

This might be a daft question but how does this worm count test work? What do you have to do?

[Cinderhills]

I've just sent off samples to the lab today using the SFS service for chickens, sheep and goats.  Can't wait to see the results now.  It's like waiting for exam results.

It was fun getting fresh samples though!  I finally got a sheep one after about 15 mins of watching, but the goats, who normally produce droppings while walking, didn't perform when I asked them.  The chicken poo I had to grab before my dog ate it. 

[supplies for smallholders]

This might be a daft question but how does this worm count test work? What do you have to do?

Hi - No questions are daft - but sometimes the answers are 

Its quite easy really, collect a small sample of fresh droppings, place in the pot, place in the pre-paid envelope, fill in a couple of things on a form, pop in the post and wait for the results, which in the case of kits from us are sent by email as soon as they are received from the Lab.

[Sudanpan]

If you get a high worm count how can you clear the ground again? If the eggs etc remain viable for 5 years it seems like its a death knell for keeping pigs