Egg counts remain low

Fecal egg counts (FEC) ranged from 0 to 1,500 eggs per gram of feces and averaged 237 epg for the fecal samples collected on July 18. Twenty-three goats had negative (FEC=0) fecal egg counts.

All of Duff Sandness's (KS) and Pam Adams's (MD) bucks had zero egg counts, along with 3 out of 4 of Merritt Burke's (DE) bucks.

Fecal samples are analyzed by Dr. Dahlia Jackson's lab at Delaware State University. The modified McMaster technique is used to determine the number of worm eggs contained in a gram of feces. The technique uses a special slide for counting eggs.

McMaster counting slides are available from the Chalex Corporation. When ordering McMaster slides, be sure to order ones with a green grid. These are much easier to see under the microscope.

The low egg counts are consistent with observations and other data. FAMACHA© scores averaged 1.70 on July 18.

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