Dealing with Dag
The major risk factor for dag accumulation is fecal consistency. The consistency of sheep and goat feces varies from fecal pellets through to pasty or liquid diarrhea (scouring). Pellets do not adhere to the animal. Dag accumulate only when feces are not in pelleted form.
Factors determining fecal consistency are complex. Nematode infections are a common cause of scours, especially in high rainfall areas. Protozoan infections, such as coccidia, can also cause scouring and dag formation. Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) has published advisor manual, "Dealing with Dag: a Review of the Causes, Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Scouring in Sheep.