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  • +353 (0)45 866266
Submit a Sample
A-Z Testing
Beef Welfare Scheme
Instagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Submit a Sample
Search A-Z Testing
Beef Welfare Scheme
Instagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin

Beef Welfare Scheme 2026

Action 3: Faecal or Forage Testing
  • Choose EITHER Faecal Testing OR Forage Testing — not both

How it works

Four steps from application to laboratory

Apply for Action 3

Select Action 3 when applying for the scheme on AgFood.ie.

Choose your testing option

Choose either Faecal Testing OR Forage Testing — not both.

Purchase & pay online

Purchase your test kit and pay securely via the IEC website (Stripe). Keep your receipt.

Take samples & send to IEC

Wait for your test kit, take samples as per the instructions below and send to the lab as soon as possible.

Option 1: Faecal Testing

How to take samples

  • Pool equal small amounts of fresh dung from approx. 10 animals (cows/calves from the groups being assessed) and place approx. 50g in the sample pot.
  • Repeat the process at least 4 weeks later. You will send 2 samples in total.
  • Keep samples cool (do not freeze) and deliver or post to the laboratory as soon as possible.
  • Do not select this option if you are already participating in the TASAH Parasite Control Consult Programme.

Option 2: Forage Testing

How to take your 3 samples

  • Silage pit
  • Wait 6 weeks after harvest
  • Sample 15–30 cm behind the pit face in a W pattern
  • Take 10–15 handfuls (approx. 500 g)
  • Silage bales
  • Take multiple handfuls from different areas of an open bale
  • Or use a silage corer to remove 5 cores from a minimum of 5 bales
  • Recover holes with silage tape after sampling
  • Place each sample in the Ziplock bag provided in the kit, expel all air and post to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Payment & Pricing

Faecal testing

Faecal egg count or fluke screen (2 samples)
€65.10 incl. VAT

Forage testing

3 samples
€68.10 incl. VAT
All applications and payments through our website only. No phone payments or payments in person.

Key Dates

Apply through AgFood.ie by 5:00pm on

Wednesday
23 September 2026

Sample kits must be purchased by

13 October 2026

Eligibility & Payment

€25 per eligible calf

Retain purchase receipts, laboratory reports and relevant records for inspection or department checks.
Eligible suckler calves must have been born between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Order your testing kit

Purchase your kit and pay securely through our website. Kits must be purchased by 13 October 2026 – order early so samples reach the laboratory in good time.

Faecal Testing Kit

Faecal egg count or fluke screen — 2 samples.
€65.10 incl. VAT
Buy faecal kit

Forage Testing Kit

Forage analysis — 3 samples.
€68.10 incl. VAT
Buy forage kit