An assessment of a composite sampling method for counting strongyle eggs in sheep faeces [Trichostrongylidae; Trichostrongylus; Haemonchus]

Baldock, F.C.; Lyndal-Murphy, M. . Animal Research Inst.; Pearse, B. . Arid Zone Research Inst.

An assessment of a composite sampling method for counting strongyle eggs in sheep faeces [Trichostrongylidae; Trichostrongylus; Haemonchus]

1990

Baldock, F.C. | Lyndal-Murphy, M. (Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries, Yeerongpilly (Australia). Animal Research Inst.) | Pearse, B. (Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries, Longreach (Australia). Arid Zone Research Inst.)

The conventional method for estimating the average strongyle egg count for a group of sheep was compared with a single count from a group composite faecal sample. Sixty-one groups of field samples were used. There were no significant differences in the variances and overall mean counts obtained by the 2 methods. The regression line of log (composite count) on log (group arithmetic mean) did not differ significantly from the line of identity. When untransformed egg count data were categorised as low, moderate and high, the 2 methods were in agreement for 53 of the 61 groups. The mixing and counting process used for both methods (modified McMaster technique) gave highly repeatable results. The composite method was a quicker and valid alternative to the conventional method for monitoring helminthosis in sheep flocks.

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