The largest challenge for small ruminant producers in the southeastern United States are parasites. Parasites by far cause the most production losses for farmers. Farmers need to be able to identify which animals are infected and the parasite they may have. This becomes essential in their treatment plans. Most veterinary clinics will perform fecal floatation testing. This will cost farmers approximately 18-25$ per sample. In livestock production the profit margin is low and this expense may quickly add up.

Kentucky State University host many educational programs that help farmers understand the latest information on internal parasites. FAMACHA trainings are held which is a system that uses mucous membrane color to estimate an animal’s burden of Haemonchus species. This method is easy for farmers and can be done without any equipment, however it cannot detect other parasites. Fecal floatations are diagnostic tests that examines fecal material for worm eggs or protozoal oocytes. This method of testing is much more sensitive and can detect many different types of parasites. Kentucky State Animal Health program teaches hands on wet labs in which farmers are able to learn how to do fecals themselves. Multiple training have be hosted in multiple locations, including Franklin, Lincoln, Boyle, Mercer, Grant, Pulaski. These trainings were hosted by local extension offices, producer associations and other groups of farmers

Many small ruminant producers in Kentucky have been able to buy microscopes and begin doing fecals on their own farm. The cost of the microscopes will vary depending on technology, capabilities and new vs used. A binocular compound microscope can be purchased for 100-200$ in most cases and is a onetime fixed cost. Supplies for used during samples will cost about 40$ for each 100 samples (40 cents per sample). This allows farmers that implement fecals on their farms to saves money on the fecal exams, as well as monitor their animals more closely and treat correctly. This increases animal health and welfare as well as decreasing losses to improve the sustainability of small farms in Kentucky.