Worm egg counts (FEC testing)
How to record faecal egg count results, track worm burden trends, and use FAMACHA scoring.
Worm testing (also called FEC — Faecal Egg Count — or WEC — Worm Egg Count) lets you measure the worm burden of your mob before deciding whether drenching is warranted. MusterMate records FEC results and tracks them over time so you can spot rising burdens early.
Why test before you drench?
- Reduces drench resistance by avoiding unnecessary treatments
- Saves money — drenching costs add up quickly across a mob
- Helps identify drench efficacy — a post-drench test can confirm the product worked
- Required for many sustainable grazing certifications
Recording a worm test result
- 1Go to Health in the sidebar
- 2Tap the "Worm Tests" tab
- 3Tap + New Test
- 4Choose whether it's an Individual or Pooled sample
- 5Select the species and enter the EPG (eggs per gram) result
- 6Choose the worm genus (strongyles, nematodirus, coccidia, liver fluke, or other)
- 7Optionally enter the FAMACHA score for the sampled animal(s)
- 8Add the lab name and any notes
- 9Tap Save
Individual vs pooled samples
An individual sample is taken from one animal — useful for pinpointing a high-shedder or tracking a specific animal. A pooled sample combines dung from multiple animals in the mob (typically 10–15) to give a mob-average result.
Understanding EPG results
- 0–200 EPG — low burden, monitor but drenching likely not warranted
- 200–500 EPG — moderate burden, consider drenching based on animal condition
- 500+ EPG — high burden, drenching generally recommended
- These are general guides — thresholds vary by species, age, and seasonal conditions
FAMACHA scoring
FAMACHA is a five-point eye colour chart used mainly for sheep and goats to estimate barber's pole worm (Haemonchus) burden. Score 1 (deep red) = healthy; Score 5 (white/pale) = severe anaemia. Animals scoring 3–5 are typically flagged for treatment.
Post-drench testing
A drench efficacy test is done 10–14 days after drenching. If EPG is not reduced by at least 95%, the drench product may be ineffective against your local worm population. Record both the pre-drench and post-drench tests in MusterMate to track efficacy over time.
Use a local veterinarian or agricultural laboratory (such as Western Ag Laboratories or SGS) to process your samples. Results are usually returned within 2–5 business days.
MusterMate records FEC results as information only — it does not replace the advice of a veterinarian or parasite management consultant.