This latest incarnation of the FECPAKG2 is now a battery-powered and wi-fi enabled. This means it can pair with smartphones, tablets and laptops, allowing samples to be uploaded, analysed and results received, virtually anywhere.
Tabitha Allen from Techion said: "The technology allows internet connected and image-based FEC testing to be carried out literally on the job.
"While the current system is able to return results rapidly, samples need to be uploaded via a computer. The upgrade will therefore give users more flexibility, allowing samples to be processed away from the office."
"Samples are then analysed by trained online technicians so we can confidently provide accurate results, which can then help farmers make informed decisions when it comes to worming.
"The new upgrade now includes a digital microscope that enhances image quality further, making it quicker and easier than ever before to provide these accurate results.
For more information, visit: www.techiongroup.com or ring: 01970 821 918
Consequently, the company says the sheep sector is going to have to take a more proactive approach to parasite control if it is to achieve the best possible environmental standards.
The research by SRUC and the Moredun Research Institute showed parasite infections in lambs can lead to a 33% increase in methane output1 and that parasitism is one of the top three livestock diseases which increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions2 and is cost-effective to manage.
Eurion Thomas, European operations manager at Techion, says that despite current emissions from sheep being over-exaggerated, the sector will need to act if the NFU’s aspiration for net zero emissions from agriculture by 2040, is to be achieved.
Eurion said: "While targets to further reduce GHG emissions may appear to be burdensome, there are some simple steps farmers can take that’ll help minimise emissions while also improving business profitability. This includes incorporating regular faecal egg counts (FEC) into routine flock management to increase the accuracy of worm control.
"Worms reduce performance, in particular feed conversion ratio (FCR) meaning animals take longer to finish at lower weights. In addition, the research shows animals with worms release more methane per day due to the upset they cause to the digestive system.
"Better parasite control can therefore reduce number of days to finishing, improving production efficiency and lowering methane emissions per unit of meat produced. The number of days to slaughter and FCR are also correlated to profit margins, providing an opportunity to improve the bottom line."
Eurion says one of the reasons endemic diseases such as worm burdens are so detrimental to production efficiency and emissions is because often the disease has significantly impacted animal performance before it has been identified. Regular faecal egg counts (FEC) and an accurate treatment programme are therefore crucial.
Eurion said: "FECPAKG2 is the latest in image-based, internet-connected, FEC technology and means testing can be carried out virtually anywhere by anyone, including on-farm by the farmer.
"Because digital images of parasite eggs are produced, analysed and stored online, FECPAKG2 provides rapid results while offering greater quality control and auditability. This is encouraging more frequent testing and better decision making at farm level."
A collaborative research project between Sainsbury’s and Techion3 showed accurate treatment of the right animals, with the right wormer, at the right time, improved daily liveweight gains (DLWG) while reducing wormer use in sheep by up to 50%.
Eurion said: "Addressing the environmental impact of red meat production is arguably one of the biggest challenges the sector faces and introducing FEC is one simple way farmers can proactively work towards this, while improving business profitability."
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