5 Best Horse Fecal Test Kits for Breeding

A high-quality foal starts with a healthy dam, and nothing compromises a mare’s condition faster than an unseen parasite burden. Blindly deworming on a set schedule often leads to drug resistance and wasted money. Targeted fecal egg counts are the only way to ensure the next generation gets the clean start it deserves.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Zero Egg Count Mail-In Fecal Test Kit Review

The Zero Egg Count kit is designed for the breeder who values laboratory precision without the need for specialized on-site equipment. This mail-in service provides a prepaid mailer and a collection container, streamlining the entire process for a busy farm. Results are typically delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample.

Accuracy is the primary selling point here, as samples are processed by trained technicians using the McMaster technique. This level of professional oversight reduces the risk of human error that can occur with DIY kits. It is a reliable way to identify “high shedders” within a breeding herd before they contaminate communal pastures.

The digital reports provided are easy to read and archive for long-term health tracking. Having a digital paper trail for every mare in the barn helps in identifying patterns of resistance over several seasons. This data is invaluable when discussing a specific deworming protocol with a veterinarian.

This kit is the premier choice for the breeder who wants the highest level of accuracy and a professional record without investing in a microscope. If the goal is a hands-off approach that guarantees lab-certified results, this is the right tool for the job.

Westgate Labs Horse Fecal Egg Count Kit Review

Westgate Labs has built a reputation on rigorous standards and a deep understanding of equine parasitology. Their kit includes everything needed to secure a clean sample, including clear instructions that prevent common collection mistakes. They emphasize the importance of the “Gold Standard” McMaster test to ensure every egg is accounted for.

One standout feature of this service is the professional advice often included with the results. Rather than just receiving a number, the breeder gets context regarding what that number means for their specific management style. This guidance is particularly helpful for hobby farmers who may be navigating their first few breeding seasons.

The turnaround time is remarkably fast, ensuring that any necessary treatments can be administered before the parasite lifecycle advances. Because the packaging is robust, there is little concern about sample degradation during transit. This reliability makes it a staple for those who manage multiple horses on limited acreage.

For the breeder who wants a blend of professional lab work and expert interpretation, Westgate Labs is the ideal partner. This kit is perfect for those who want to know exactly what the numbers mean for their pasture management strategy.

HorseSide Eggcount DIY Fecal Test Kit Review

The HorseSide Eggcount kit caters to the hands-on farmer who prefers to see the results immediately on the farm. This kit provides the specialized slides and flotation solution required to perform an egg count in the tack room or barn office. It eliminates the delay of mailing samples and the recurring costs of individual lab fees.

Taking control of the testing process allows for more frequent monitoring of pregnant mares and growing foals. If a mare looks “unthrifty,” a test can be performed right then rather than waiting for a mailer to return. This immediacy can be a game-changer during the high-stress periods of late gestation.

While there is a learning curve to identifying eggs under a lens, the kit simplifies the process significantly. It turns a complex lab procedure into a manageable task for an observant horse owner. The initial investment in the kit pays for itself quickly if there are more than three or four horses to maintain.

This is the definitive choice for the proactive, DIY-minded breeder who wants to test frequently and see results in real-time. If you enjoy the technical side of animal husbandry and want to save money over the long haul, this kit belongs on your shelf.

Parasight System Veterinary FEC Starter Kit

The Parasight System represents the high-tech end of the fecal testing spectrum, utilizing smartphone technology to provide digital results. This system uses a specialized validated process that involves imaging the sample and using an app to count the eggs automatically. It removes the subjectivity of human sight, which can be prone to fatigue or error.

For a larger breeding operation, the speed of this system is unmatched. You can process multiple samples in a single afternoon and have all the data synced to a digital dashboard instantly. This makes it incredibly easy to track the efficacy of different dewormers across the entire herd.

The precision offered by digital imaging is particularly useful when dealing with low-level infections that might be missed by a cursory glance through a traditional microscope. It provides a level of detail that is usually only found in university research settings. This ensures that only the horses that truly need treatment receive it.

Choose the Parasight System if you manage a larger number of horses and demand the highest level of digital precision and record-keeping. It is the ultimate tool for the modern breeder who wants to integrate technology into their daily health management.

Wormers-Direct Standard Horse Fecal Kit Review

The Wormers-Direct kit focuses on simplicity and affordability, making it accessible for any hobby farmer. It provides a straightforward collection and postage system that removes any barriers to regular testing. The focus here is on delivering a clear, actionable Egg Per Gram (EPG) count without unnecessary extras.

This kit is excellent for the “one-off” tester who needs to check a new mare before introducing her to the resident herd. It provides the essential data needed to prevent the introduction of resistant parasites into a clean environment. The instructions are concise, ensuring that even a novice can collect a viable sample.

Despite its lower price point, the testing is still conducted in a professional laboratory setting. This ensures that the results are far more reliable than a simple visual inspection of the manure. It is a cost-effective way to transition from scheduled deworming to a targeted, evidence-based approach.

This kit is perfect for the small-scale breeder or the owner of a single mare who needs a reliable, low-cost way to monitor parasite loads. It provides exactly what is needed for responsible horse ownership without a significant financial commitment.

Why Breeding Mares Require Regular Fecal Testing

Pregnant mares undergo significant physiological stress, which can lead to a phenomenon known as the “periparturient rise” in fecal egg counts. During late pregnancy and early lactation, a mare’s immune system may naturally relax, allowing internal parasites to flourish and produce more eggs. This surge directly increases the risk of the foal picking up a heavy parasite load almost immediately after birth.

Testing allows the breeder to identify which mares are “high shedders” and require intervention before they contaminate the foaling stall or pasture. Not every mare will have the same level of resistance, and treating them all the same is a recipe for creating “super-worms.” By testing, you can target only the mares that truly need it, preserving the health of the dam and the environment.

A heavy parasite burden in a mare can also impact her ability to maintain weight and produce quality milk. Parasites compete for nutrients, which are already in high demand during the final trimester. Regular testing ensures that the nutrition you are paying for actually reaches the mare and her developing foal.

• Identifies high-risk mares before foaling
• Prevents unnecessary chemical exposure to the fetus
• Reduces overall pasture contamination for the foal
• Ensures optimal nutrient absorption for the dam

How to Correctly Collect Fresh Manure Samples

The accuracy of any fecal test kit depends entirely on the quality of the sample provided. Manure should be collected as soon as possible after it is dropped to ensure the eggs are fresh and haven’t hatched. If a sample sits in the sun or on the ground for too long, the larvae may migrate, or the eggs may become undetectable.

When collecting, it is vital to take small amounts from several different “balls” within the same pile. This provides a more representative view of the mare’s parasite status, as eggs are not always distributed evenly throughout the manure. Avoid picking up dirt, bedding, or gravel, as these contaminants can interfere with the flotation process used in the lab.

Once collected, the sample should be placed in an airtight bag with as much air squeezed out as possible. Store the sample in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, if it cannot be mailed or tested immediately. Never freeze the sample, as extreme cold will destroy the eggs and render the test results useless.

• Collect only from the top of the pile to avoid soil contamination
• Use a clean, inverted plastic bag for easy, mess-free collection
• Label each bag immediately with the mare’s name and date
• Keep samples cool but never frozen during storage or transit

Understanding Your Horse Fecal Test Results

Fecal egg count results are typically reported as Eggs Per Gram (EPG). This number represents the concentration of parasite eggs in the manure and serves as an indicator of the adult worm burden in the horse’s gut. Generally, a count below 200 EPG is considered a “low shedder,” while anything over 500 EPG is classified as a “high shedder.”

It is important to remember that the EPG count does not measure the number of immature larvae or encysted small strongyles. These life stages do not lay eggs, so a horse can still have a significant internal burden even with a low EPG count. This is why testing should be part of a broader strategy that includes a larvicidal treatment at least once a year.

When reviewing results for a breeding mare, the trend is often more important than a single data point. If a mare consistently tests high, she may have a weaker natural immunity to parasites and will require more frequent monitoring. This information helps the breeder customize a plan that keeps the pasture safe for the more vulnerable foal.

Best Fecal Testing Schedule for Pregnant Mares

For the most effective parasite management, a pregnant mare should be tested at least three times during her gestation and early lactation period. The first test should occur in the second trimester to establish a baseline and ensure she isn’t carrying a heavy burden early on. This allows for a safe, targeted treatment well before the foaling date.

A second test is critical roughly 4 to 6 weeks before the expected foaling date. This captures the periparturient rise and allows the breeder to clean up the mare’s system before she moves into the foaling area. Reducing the egg shed at this stage is the most effective way to protect the foal’s environment.

Finally, a post-foaling test about 8 to 12 weeks after the mare has been treated helps verify that the dewormer actually worked. With the rise of drug resistance, “FECRT” (Fecal Egg Count Reduction Testing) is the only way to know if your chosen product is still effective on your farm. This step ensures that the mare isn’t continuing to shed eggs despite being treated.

• Second Trimester: Establish baseline health
• 4-6 Weeks Pre-Foaling: Minimize foal exposure to eggs
• 8-12 Weeks Post-Treatment: Verify dewormer efficacy
• Seasonal Check: Monitor during peak parasite seasons (Spring/Fall)

Practical Pasture Hygiene Tips for Young Foals

While fecal testing and targeted deworming are essential, they are only half of the equation for a healthy foal. Management of the environment is arguably more important, as foals are highly susceptible to the parasites they ingest from the ground. Keeping pastures clean significantly reduces the number of larvae the foal is exposed to during those critical first months.

Regularly removing manure from small paddocks or foaling areas can reduce the parasite population by over 70%. If the acreage is small enough, manual picking or using a pasture vacuum is highly effective. In larger fields, cross-grazing with cattle or sheep can help, as these species “vacuum” up equine parasite larvae without becoming infected themselves.

Avoid overstocking pastures, as a high density of horses leads to “roughs” and “lawns.” Horses will not graze near manure piles (the roughs), but foals are naturally curious and often graze closer to these contaminated areas than adults. Maintaining a lower stocking rate ensures that the grazing areas remain cleaner and less concentrated with parasite larvae.

• Remove manure at least twice weekly in high-traffic areas
• Implement a rotational grazing system to allow pastures to rest
• Harrow pastures only in hot, dry weather to kill exposed larvae
• Provide hay in feeders rather than directly on the ground

Managing the health of a breeding mare and her foal is a significant responsibility that requires both data and diligence. By integrating regular fecal testing with smart pasture management, you can ensure a safer, healthier start for the next generation of horses on your farm.