Is there a morning-evening difference in egg production of bloodworms, strongyle parasites of equines?

The study aims to test the idea that the count of strongyle or bloodworm eggs in horse feces may be higher in the morning and could indicate a circadian rhythm in these parasites. The research, which involves analyzing samples from one pony and nine horses, does not find a significant difference in egg counts between samples collected in the morning and those obtained later in the day.

Study Design and Sample Collection

• The research was designed to test the hypothesis that the eggs of strongyle parasites, also known as bloodworms, are detected in greater numbers in the morning fecal samples as opposed to those collected later in the day.
• The study involved the analysis of fecal samples collected from one pony and nine horses.
• For a robust evaluation, samples were collected twice a day, around 7:30 in the morning and again around 19:30 at night.
• This sample collection routine continued over two separate periods each consisting of 24 days.

Data Analysis and Findings

• The egg counts in the individual samples ranged wildly from 0 to 1184.
• Despite this variation, the overall average (mean) count of the 7:30 samples was 212.52, while the mean count for the 19:30 samples was a bit higher at 236.03.
• However, statistical analysis indicated that this difference in counts is not significant, essentially meaning it could easily be due to randomness or some factor other than the time of day.

Conclusion

• The study’s findings do not support the initial hypothesis that there could be morning-evening circadian differences in the egg production of the strongyle parasites.
• This study serves to dispel the notion that the timing of fecal sample collection is crucial for accurately assessing the extent of infestation by these parasites in horses.