Course curriculum

    1. What Will I Learn?

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    2. What equipment do I need?

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Understanding Faecal Egg Counts (FECs)

    2. Test: Basic Understandings

    1. Parasites of Ruminants

    2. Test: Understanding Parasites of Ruminants

    3. Assignment 1: Barber's Pole Worm

    1. Collection and Storage of Faecal Samples

    2. Test: Faecal Sampling

    1. Flotation Principles

    2. Flotation Methods

    3. Equipment List

    4. Quantitative Analysis

    5. Resource: Sample Preparation Video

    6. Assignment 2: Flotation Solution Selection

    1. Equipment List

    2. Microscope Use, Calibration & Care

    3. McMaster Method

    4. Resource: FEC Excel Sheet

    5. Test: The McMaster Method

About this course

  • 42 lessons
  • Course Completion Certificate
  • Parasite Calculator & ID Guides
  • Equipment Discount Codes

Why Should you enrol?

From understanding ruminant parasite lifecycles to performing faecal egg counts, this course will not only save you money but improve your herd/flock's health, wellbeing and productivity.

  • An ideal course for farmers, smallholders, SQPs, pet owners and professionals

  • Step-by-step guide on how to perform faecal egg counts to identify worm eggs, fluke, lungworm larvae, giardia, coccidia and cryptosporidium

  • Improve animal health and wellbeing by reducing parasite burdens and unnecessary chemical treatments

  • Save money by eliminating external lab fees and unnecessary anthelmintic treatments

  • Increase both livestock and land productivity

Here's the truth...

...you can improve animal health, reduce chemicals AND save money!

If you already use and external lab for FECs:

One major advantage of learning to perform FECs  is the elimination of expensive lab fees to have the some job done by someone else.

The following figures are based on prices for ONE sample from a leading UK laboratory, you can multiply this by however many animals you have/require analysing

External Lab Fee = £136.45 (worms, fluke, lungworm, coccidia, cryptosporidium & giardia)

As you can see, the FEC course pays for itself quite quickly.

If you worm "just in case":

If you worm regardless of the individuals parasite burden, “just so they are covered’, again, this could be a costly mistake, especially for smallholders who have small flocks/herds.  

Even the smallest bottle of anthelmintic to treat worms is £30, flukicide £70.

"Just in case" cost = £100 (and the possibility of complying with withdrawal periods). 

Based on these calculations, the Ruminant FEC Course will have paid for itself over 2 worming periods.

What is included in the course?

We have worked with industry experts to bring you the one of the most comprehensive, resource rich courses available on faecal egg counts . Here are some of the advantages that our course provides:

  • Bonus material

    We have partnered with our colleagues at Vet Lab Supplies Ltd to bring you exclusive discounts on reliable, quality equipment so that you can achieve the best results with your new learned skills

  • Resources

    We have included laboratory parasite ID keys, excel calculators, reference guides and step-by-step video tutorials. All of this will set you up for FEC success

  • 24/7 Support

    Our courses are written by industry experts with decades of experience in ruminant care, management and husbandry. They are on hand to answer any questions and help with any difficulties you encounter whilst on your education journey

Pricing options

Pay the course fee in one go or spread the cost over 4 instalments

Course Reviews

Here's how this course has helped others...

Goat Herdswoman

Kate Adkinson

”I never thought I could be a 'scientist', but Dragon Lab Academy's Ruminant worm count course made it possible. Anyone with goats will know the issues surrounding anthelmintics and the worry of Barber's Pole Worm, my new found skill has eased my concerns. I am now able to analyse my own herd's samples and treat alongside my vet, only if necessary. I can’t imagine not being able to do our own FECs now!"

Sheep Farmer & Meat Box Seller

Jacob Reed

"Probably one of the most useful courses I have taken. I will be able to use the information to mine and my flock's advantage. Chemical treatment use is down and flock health is up. My meat box customer's are also impressed that we are doing all we can to reduce chemical use and increase welfare."

FAQ

  • What parasites will I be able to identify after the course?

    You will be able to identify worm eggs, lungworm larvae, fluke, coccidia, giardia and cryptosporidum.

  • Will I need to start the course on a set day and attend lessons at specific times?

    We know everyone is busy these days, so we have designed the course to be self-paced, so you can pick up as and when you have the time.

  • Do I need any equipment in order to start the course?

    Its not necessary to have any equipment to start the course. It may be better to complete the course prior to purchasing any equipment so that you better understand what your individual equipment requirements are. Some equipment that you will need to perform your own FECs are as follows: - Basic consumables (£14.99) (https://dragonlab.uk) - McMaster Chamber (£12.99) - Microscope slides (£7) - Cover slips (£4.99) - Microscope (£40 upwards on eBay. Sometimes a second hand quality made scope is better than a brand new lesser-quality one). Regular eBay recommendations are made on the Academy Community Board.

  • Is there any instructor contact?

    Our instructors are available 24/7 via email and text/WhatsApp. We are also available to schedule live zoom sessions at times that suit everyone when required as discussions are initiated via our online community

Improve quality AND save money, starting today

Enrol today

Meet your Instructor

Senior Instructor Eve James

Eve is an industry expert in parasitology, immunology and livestock husbandry. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Zoology from Cardiff University, Eve went on to gain over 16 years laboratory experience in immunological diagnostics. Following this she established her own successful veterinary laboratory and went on to complete a Master's degree in Veterinary Parasitology. Eve has lived on a smallholding in rural Wales for the past 11 years, with her husband, daughter and pack(!) of dogs, including Dalmatians and Whippets. It is here she has gained a wealth of knowledge in the welfare and husbandry of cattle, goats, chickens, sheep, alpacas and pigs. Eve has also been a servant to her horses and ponies for a quarter of a century, which has put her in good stead for managing their health and comfort!

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