Faecal egg counts in cattle: how do they stack up?

Forbes, A. (2017) Faecal egg counts in cattle: how do they stack up? Livestock, 22(3), pp. 124-127. (doi: 10.12968/live.2017.22.3.124)

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Abstract

Faecal egg counts (FECs) are commonly promulgated as a means of determining the status and impact of parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) in cattle, yet there is little scientific evidence for consistent, quantitative associations between FECs, worm burdens or the effects of PGE on the hosts. Examples are provided of applications of FEC in cattle that do have an evidence base and also of alternative aids to anthelmintic treatment decisions, such as growth rates in young cattle. The potential value of FECs in veterinary/farmer interactions is also addressed as is the need to justify diagnostics through demonstration of favourable cost–benefit ratios.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Forbes, Dr Andrew
Authors: Forbes, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Livestock
Publisher:Mark Allen Healthcare
ISSN:2053-0862
ISSN (Online):2053-0870
Published Online:13 May 2017

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