Collecting samples
Collecting good quality faecal samples
Choosing the right sample
Fresh poo: warm, pliable and shiny with flies buzzing around
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Avoid old poo: dry, hard with a dull appearance
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Tips for collecting samples
Gathering samples:
- At rousing during morning checks
- During handling
![horse sampling](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_540,h_405/https://app.moredun.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/horse-sampling-540x405.png)
Roundworm eggs are not evenly dispersed throughout horse faeces.
It is important to take a representative subsample for analysis:
- Take at least 3 boli from a motion
- Place each boli in an individual bag and mix each well
- Take a small subsample (~10g) from each bag and combine these – this is your representative sample for counting
Storing samples
- Remove air from bags to avoid worm eggs developing
- Post/deliver samples ASAP (keep in the fridge if you need to store)