Assessor Resource

AHCBEK402
Perform queen bee artificial insemination

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect semen from drone honey bees and inseminate a queen bee.

This unit applies to beekeepers who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 Determine breeding method

1.1 Review options for artificial breeding to determine the most suitable and affordable method in line with breeding objectives

1.2 Select an artificial breeding option in line with the organisation’s breeding program and queen and drone management program and match to resources

1.3 Identify, source and arrange resource requirements

1.4 Prepare program schedules based on available resources

1.5 Confirm that suitable personal protective equipment for self and breeding support staff is available and in good condition

2. Implement breeding method

2.1 Obtain genetic material from reliable and legitimate sources

2.2 Receive, check and store genetic material to ensure maximum viability and program outcomes

2.3 Manage rearing times so that queen bees and drones are of appropriate age and condition when artificial insemination is scheduled to occur

2.4 Collect semen from drones, prepare queens and inseminate using hygienic techniques to minimise risk of contamination

2.5 After insemination, place queen in a colony of suitable strength and monitor.

3. Monitor and maintain program

3.1 Review adjustments in genetic material transfer practices to enhance success of future programs

3.2 Document data on genetic material transfer programs

3.3 Calculate and use success rates from breeding objectives to determine success of artificial insemination program

3.4 Identify and record modifications to queen and drone management program to assist continuous improvement processes

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

schedule and obtain resources for insemination activities

determine artificial insemination timing

match queen and drone cycles

prepare queen and drone honey bees for artificial insemination

use appropriate artificial insemination techniques

keep records in relation to an artificial insemination program

maintain required hygiene standards

manage queen bees after insemination

identify that an inseminated queen bee is laying fertilised eggs.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of artificial insemination of queen bees

anatomy and physiology of reproductive organs and reproductive process in queen and drone honey bees

genetics and inheritance of bee characteristics

artificial breeding methods and the benefits and limitations of methods used

honey bee health and abnormalities

identification systems for queen and drone honey bees and semen

physical resource requirements and how to safely handle and transport bees

artificial insemination policies and recording and reporting requirements

preparation requirements for artificial insemination

semen collection and homogenising processes

organisational breeding programs.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 Determine breeding method

1.1 Review options for artificial breeding to determine the most suitable and affordable method in line with breeding objectives

1.2 Select an artificial breeding option in line with the organisation’s breeding program and queen and drone management program and match to resources

1.3 Identify, source and arrange resource requirements

1.4 Prepare program schedules based on available resources

1.5 Confirm that suitable personal protective equipment for self and breeding support staff is available and in good condition

2. Implement breeding method

2.1 Obtain genetic material from reliable and legitimate sources

2.2 Receive, check and store genetic material to ensure maximum viability and program outcomes

2.3 Manage rearing times so that queen bees and drones are of appropriate age and condition when artificial insemination is scheduled to occur

2.4 Collect semen from drones, prepare queens and inseminate using hygienic techniques to minimise risk of contamination

2.5 After insemination, place queen in a colony of suitable strength and monitor.

3. Monitor and maintain program

3.1 Review adjustments in genetic material transfer practices to enhance success of future programs

3.2 Document data on genetic material transfer programs

3.3 Calculate and use success rates from breeding objectives to determine success of artificial insemination program

3.4 Identify and record modifications to queen and drone management program to assist continuous improvement processes

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

schedule and obtain resources for insemination activities

determine artificial insemination timing

match queen and drone cycles

prepare queen and drone honey bees for artificial insemination

use appropriate artificial insemination techniques

keep records in relation to an artificial insemination program

maintain required hygiene standards

manage queen bees after insemination

identify that an inseminated queen bee is laying fertilised eggs.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of artificial insemination of queen bees

anatomy and physiology of reproductive organs and reproductive process in queen and drone honey bees

genetics and inheritance of bee characteristics

artificial breeding methods and the benefits and limitations of methods used

honey bee health and abnormalities

identification systems for queen and drone honey bees and semen

physical resource requirements and how to safely handle and transport bees

artificial insemination policies and recording and reporting requirements

preparation requirements for artificial insemination

semen collection and homogenising processes

organisational breeding programs.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review options for artificial breeding to determine the most suitable and affordable method in line with breeding objectives 
Select an artificial breeding option in line with the organisation’s breeding program and queen and drone management program and match to resources 
Identify, source and arrange resource requirements 
Prepare program schedules based on available resources 
Confirm that suitable personal protective equipment for self and breeding support staff is available and in good condition 
Obtain genetic material from reliable and legitimate sources 
Receive, check and store genetic material to ensure maximum viability and program outcomes 
Manage rearing times so that queen bees and drones are of appropriate age and condition when artificial insemination is scheduled to occur 
Collect semen from drones, prepare queens and inseminate using hygienic techniques to minimise risk of contamination 
After insemination, place queen in a colony of suitable strength and monitor. 
Review adjustments in genetic material transfer practices to enhance success of future programs 
Document data on genetic material transfer programs 
Calculate and use success rates from breeding objectives to determine success of artificial insemination program 
Identify and record modifications to queen and drone management program to assist continuous improvement processes 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCBEK402 - Perform queen bee artificial insemination
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

AHCBEK402 - Perform queen bee artificial insemination

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: