Waiting on test results can be frustrating, especially when serious problems have arisen on farm. Our in-house lab, allows us to process some samples quickly and efficiently, providing more timely results.
We offer a variety of “pen-side” tests, including:
- Rainbow calf scour test for Cryptosporidium, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, and E. coli K99.
- Glutavac Test for peritonitis and acute inflammatory disorders.
- Ketometer to measure blood ketone levels, for ketosis and twin lamb disease diagnosis and monitoring.
- Fluke antibody testing; allows early detection of fluke.
Ovacyte Machine – Faecal Egg Counts
Our Ovacyte machine has proven to be a valuable addition, utilising digital analysis and artificial intelligence to swiftly identify and count worm, coccidia, and fluke eggs in dung samples, offering fast and thorough faecal egg counts. With the rise of resistant worms and fluke, it is important to be mindful of overusing or misusing treatments. We highly recommend regular dung sampling and faecal egg counts as an essential part of your herd or flock health plan.
Microscopy
Our microscope allows us to perform various diagnostic tests, including:
- Semen testing
- Faecal testing
- Skin scrapes and hair plucks (for external parasites such as sheep scab)
- Basic cytology
Refractometry/Colostrum testing
The refractometer is a great tool and can be used to assess colostrum quality and to analyse a calf’s blood serum for signs of failure of passive transfer.
We are happy to supply you with a refractometer and teach you how to test colostrum before administration.
Mastatest
Mastatest, a fully automated mastitis test, providing rapid and precise data about the cause of mastitis cases, the optimal treatment plan, and long-term herd insight to guide management decisions.
Mastatest use in clinical mastitis cases can reduce antibiotic use on-farm by 24%, and farmers report significantly reduced bulk milk somatic cell counts. The Mastatest technology offers a unique approach that enables us to work with you, to deliver better mastitis outcomes for your herd with less antibiotic use.
Post Mortems
It is not always easy or feasible to take an animal down VSD for a post mortem. On farm post mortems allow us to try and establish a cause of death in a fresh carcase and/or take appropriate samples for further testing at the labs, tor try and establish the cause of death.
