Fecal Egg Count & Soil Biology Microscope Lesson/Open Lab

Learn how to analyze fecal egg count to understand your sheep/goat internal parasite load and assess soil biology under the microscope! Learn how to use a microscope to evaluate the health of your sheep, goats, and compost in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn how to perform fecal egg counts to estimate internal parasite levels in small ruminants and gain practical skills for monitoring herd health. Bring a fresh manure sample from your sheep or goats and a sample of homemade compost to examine under a professional microscope. You'll also explore the hidden world of soil biology by identifying beneficial organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and mites while learning what they can reveal about compost quality and soil health. This hands-on workshop teaches small ruminant owners how to prepare and analyze sheep or goat fecal samples to assess internal parasite levels. Participants will learn how to perform a fecal egg count (FEC), a valuable tool for monitoring animal health and making informed management decisions in consultation with a veterinarian. While some parasite eggs are normal in sheep and goats, understanding egg counts can help determine when intervention may be needed. The FEC training follows the same fecal egg count procedure used by the University of Rhode Island: Using-FEC_-Final2.pdf Attendees are encouraged to bring a fresh fecal sample from their sheep or goats and a sample of homemade compost. During the class, participants will gain practical experience using a professional compound microscope to identify parasite eggs and estimate their abundance. By the end of the session, participants will have the skills needed to evaluate parasite burdens in their own animals. In addition to livestock health, the workshop explores the fascinating world of soil biology through compost microscopy. Participants will prepare compost wet mounts and examine the living organisms that contribute to healthy soils and successful composting. Microscopic observation can help determine whether compost contains beneficial aerobic organisms or unwanted anaerobic microbes that may indicate poor compost conditions. The class includes instruction on identifying key soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and mites. Participants will also receive a qualitative assessment of the fungi-to-bacteria ratio in their compost, providing insight into compost maturity and potential soil health benefits. This dual-focus workshop offers practical skills for both livestock and compost management, helping hobby farmers and small-scale producers better understand the biological processes that support healthy animals and productive soils.