What type of sample do I need to provide?

A) AN INDIVIDUAL TEST

An Individual test can be used if you are particularly interested in the egg count of one animal which, is useful if you are testing a horse or other individual animal.

ADVANTAGES OF AN INDIVIDUAL TEST?

• If individual parasite burdens are sought it is better to do individual sampling where each individual is properly identified.

• Make the best decision for that animal and then take approprate action can be taken per animal based on the results.

B) MOB/GROUP TEST OF ANIMALS

A Mob test involves combining scoops of sample from many individual animals to determine the average egg count of the Mob. These are the quickest way to build an overall picture of a Mob’s parasite burden.

ADVANTAGES OF A WHY A MOB TEST?

• Better representation of the Mob's parasite burden.

• It is quicker to get material from many faecal samples and then process as one mixed sample.

• Low cost – just one bag in the field, less equipment, and less time.

• It gives a result to base farm/yard management decisions on.

Top Tip!

You can split the Mob into two groups to determine, for example, if only the lighter animals need to be treated.

For Mob averages, do not just pick out samples from weaker or ill animals as this can skew the result, so ensure you pick a variety of samples randomly.