How We Perform Fecal Egg Counts (FEC) on Our Goats
On our farm, we use fecal egg counts (FECs) as a practical, low-tech way to monitor internal parasites and make informed deworming decisions. This method uses a McMaster slide and can be done right at home with basic supplies.
Our goal is not to chase zero parasites, but to understand parasite pressure, identify heavy shedders, and support healthy, resilient goats.
Why We Do FECs
- Monitor parasite levels in individual goats
- Identify goats that need support
- Check whether a dewormer actually worked
- Reduce unnecessary chemical deworming
- Support long-term herd health
Supplies
- Fresh goat fecal pellets
- Disposable gloves
- Water or water-based lubricant
- Permanent marker or labels
- Digital scale (grams)
- Two small cups per sample
- Flotation solution (recipe below)
- Tongue depressor or stir stick
- Tea strainer, cheesecloth, or fabric strainer
- Transfer pipette or syringe (no needle)
- McMaster slide
- Microscope (4× and 10× objectives)
Our Flotation Solution (Epsom Salt)
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 16 oz warm water
Stir until fully dissolved. Store covered and labeled.
Collecting the Fecal Sample
Rectal Collection (Preferred)
- Put on a clean glove.
- Apply a small amount of water or water-based lubricant to your index and middle fingers.
- Insert fingers gently, one at a time. No need to go deep.
- Spread fingers slightly to allow air into the rectum. This often triggers feces to move out naturally.
- Collect 2 grams of fecal material (about two adult pellets).
- Peel the glove off your hand, keeping the sample inside.
- Squeeze out excess air, twist the glove closed, and secure.
- Label with farm name and animal ID.
Storage
- Refrigerate samples until testing.
- Test as soon as possible; samples may be refrigerated up to one week.
- If collecting many samples, keep them cool until refrigerated.
Do not use rectal collection on very young animals. If insertion isn’t easy, do not force it. Instead, collect a fresh sample immediately after natural deposition.
Performing the Fecal Egg Count
1. Prepare the Sample
- Label two cups with farm and animal ID.
- Tare one cup on the scale.
- Knead and crush pellets thoroughly to mix.
- Weigh 2 grams of feces into the cup.
- Add 28 mL of flotation solution.
- Mix well and allow to soak for 5 minutes.
2. Strain
- Remix the sample.
- Place a strainer over the second cup.
- Pour mixture through, pressing liquid through gently.
- Discard solids.
3. Fill the McMaster Slide
- Immediately draw up the strained liquid.
- Fill both chambers completely.
- Avoid air bubbles. If bubbles are present, empty and refill.
4. Let Eggs Float
- Allow the slide to sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Read within one hour to avoid evaporation and salt crystals.
5. Microscope Reading
- Place slide on microscope stage.
- Focus grid lines using 4× objective and coarse focus.
- Switch to 10× objective and fine focus.
6. Counting Eggs
- Start at the same corner each time.
- Count all eggs within the grid in both chambers.
- Count eggs on grid lines if more than half is inside.
- Count strongylid-type eggs (oval, ~80–90 microns).
- Count Nematodirus eggs separately.
Calculating Eggs Per Gram (EPG)
EPG = (Chamber 1 + Chamber 2) × 50
This factor is specific to:
- 2 grams feces
- 28 mL flotation solution
Each egg observed represents 50 eggs per gram. This method does not detect levels below 50 EPG.
Interpreting Results (General Guide)
- 0–300 EPG: Low (monitor)
- 300–1,000 EPG: Moderate (consider goat condition and FAMACHA)
- 1,000+ EPG: High (treatment often needed)
Always interpret FEC results alongside overall goat health, body condition, coat quality, age, and season.
Final Notes from Our Farm
- FECs measure egg shedding, not total worm burden.
- Perform FECs before and 10–14 days after deworming to confirm effectiveness.
- Keep records on each goat to track trends over time.
Clean-Up
- Wear gloves during testing.
- Disinfect slides and tools after use.
- Wash hands thoroughly.
This guide reflects how we do FECs on our farm and is shared for educational purposes. It is not a substitute for veterinary care.
Charlotte and Timothy Test
Horse -n- Bear Ranch
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