In this article, That’s Farming, looks at faecal sampling under the BEEP-S scheme, with a list of DAFM-approved labs and the 2022 deadline.
Under action three of the BEEP-S scheme, farmers can receive payment of €10/cow to a maximum of 100 cows for faecal sampling.
This optional measure aims to control liver and rumen fluke in adult suckler cows for a more targeted use of anthelmintics when treating suckler cows for liver or rumen fluke.
Monitoring parasites through faecal sampling can help minimise the use of anthelmintics and assist in the effective timing of treatments.
DAFM-approved labs
The first step is to select a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine-approved laboratory. Make contact with the lab to request a sampling pack and to arrange a payment method.
The DAFM has published a list of approved labs for the faecal testing measure for the presence of fluke eggs for the BEEP-S Scheme 2022 as follows:
- Agri Diagnostics Ireland Ltd, Dunrine, Killarney, Co. Kerry V93 X860 Email: [email protected] Phone: 064 6633922;
- Alpha Analytical Services Ltd, Cappagh Cross, Fermoy, Co. Cork Email: [email protected] Phone: 025 39333;
- Animal Health Laboratories Ltd, Shinagh House, Dunmanway Road, Bandon, Co. Cork. Email: [email protected] Phone: 023 8854100;
- Farm Lab Diagnostics, Elphin, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Email: [email protected] Phone: 071 9630792;
- Independent Milk Laboratories, Shercock Road, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. Email: [email protected] Phone: 042 9675353;
- Irish Equine Centre Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Email: [email protected] Phone: 045 866266;
- Oldcastle Laboratories, Cogan Street, Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Phone: 049 8541160;
- Paralabs, Unit 2 Manderville, Patrick St, Portumna Co Galway Email: [email protected] Phone: 087 293 1167.
2022 deadline
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed that farmers must take samples and submit them to one of the approved eight labs before October 3rd, 2022.
However, farmers should note that some labs are requesting samples at earlier dates than the above. Contact your chosen lab to confirm this.
The DAFM states that where a participant fails to use a laboratory from the list of approved labs for the purpose of parasite control, this action will be considered to have not been fully completed in line with the programme conditions and will, therefore, not be eligible for payment.
Taking samples
The Department of Agriculture advises the following procedure for collecting faecal samples of the cows:
- Place cows in a clean pen;
- Leave them undisturbed for a couple of hours or until such time that a number of faecal deposits have been observed;
- If you have ten eligible cows, you must sample all; If you have five eligible cows, you must still submit ten samples as the lab cannot otherwise verify that you have met the scheme’s conditions;
- Using gloves, collect faecal samples from at least ten different fresh faecal deposits;
- Place them in 10 separate containers (You must collect at least a heaped teaspoonful of faeces);
- Place all filled containers of faeces in the plastic zip-lock bag that the lab provided.
- You can find more information on preparing samples for posting in this article.
Posting, results and dosing
- Post samples on the day of sampling, or the following day at least;
- If you collect samples at the weekend, store them in a cool place, preferable in a fridge if you do not use it for domestic purposes and post on Monday;
- All samples collected must be fresh;
- The lab will then pool samples together and test;
- It will provide a set of results – more than likely via email – to participating farmers;
- Discuss FEC results with your vet and carry out action (dosing) based on their advice.
Other articles on That’s Farming:
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