Ref Code: SHE03

Category   

Teaching - 2

Research - 4

Objective

To collect faecal samples from sheep.

Alternatives to animal use for teaching

Collect faeces from the ground or floor.

Details of procedure

There are three techniques of faecal collection from sheep.

1.  For flock worm monitoring, fresh droppings can be picked up after sheep have moved away from where they have been standing quietly for some time.  Current worm egg count tests require 10 sample jars with well sealed caps to hold the equivalent of 10 pellets each.  Care must be taken to avoid contamination with stones or vegetable matter etc.

2.  Faecal bags can be strapped on sheep to collect faeces.

3.  Faecal grab sampling can be conducted on sheep as soon as possible, and no longer than four hours, after yarding. Sheep are to be restrained standing and sterile surgical gloves used.  It will be evident after one or two probings if there is enough for a sample. If not, try again in a few minutes, then return them to paddock.

Drugs, chemicals or biological agents

Not usually required.

Impact of procedure on wellbeing of animals

Faecal grab sampling can cause bleeding if not performed with lubricated gloves or if repeated several times on one sheep.

Reuse and repeated use

Only one demonstration per sheep.

Care of animals during/after the procedure

These procedures have little after-effect on sheep. There should not be any need for special care after faecal collection.

Pain relief measures

Not usually needed if performed by competent operator.

Qualifications, skill or training necessary to perform this procedure

Competence in handling sheep. Observation and understanding of the procedure.