Parasitologists at Moredun have released a new, enhanced version of ‘FEC Check’ for interpreting faecal egg counts (FEC) from cattle. The farmer-facing, free, online tool helps with the interpretation of faecal egg count results for roundworms and provides lots of information on testing and the use of wormers (anthelmintics).
Parasitologists at Moredun have further developed FEC Check to simplify the understanding of faecal egg count results and assist with decision-making by visually demonstrating what the results mean clinically.
The tool was initially developed for interpreting results in sheep but has been updated for cattle. The tool tackles variation in reporting amongst providers, ensuring that everyone has access to the information they need to make knowledgeable management decisions.
Users input faecal egg count results and the app visualises the results using a traffic light system representing the clinical impact. For instance, green indicates low-level infection not requiring treatment, and red indicates that treatment is probably needed.
The gradient is based on advice from industry group Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS). The app also includes links to reliable resources on sustainable roundworm control and testing, such as guides on collecting high-quality faecal samples and the various uses of faecal egg counts.
Simplifying faecal egg count interpretation
FECs are easy to perform but translating the results into management decisions can be more difficult, particularly for those who are new to testing. Testing is available through diagnostic labs, veterinary surgeries and is increasingly performed independently on-farm.
Previous studies have shown that support and advice from test providers vary, with some farmers receiving results without context or interpretation. Although resources on the practical meaning of results are available, extracting the information applicable to individual situations can be challenging.
The roundworms challenge
Roundworms are known to impact on the productivity and welfare of grazing cattle, providing an ongoing challenge for livestock producers. Uncontrolled roundworm infections are estimated to cause a reduction in weight gain during the first and second grazing seasons and a reduction in milk yield by up to 2.2kg per cow, per day. Despite mild clinical signs in cattle, the impact on production efficiency means that growing cattle take longer to reach slaughter weight and dairy herds are less productive.
To meet upcoming environmental targets, roundworm infections must be controlled effectively and sustainably to improve the efficiency of cattle enterprises.
The role of faecal egg counts
Faecal egg counts can be used to target anthelmintic usage: monitor whether animals require treatment, when to administer it and to check whether the treatment was effective. Such targeted approaches can reduce chemical usage, potentially slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance and providing additional environmental and economic benefits.