Required skills

develop monitor evaluate and update breeding programs using appropriate breeding systems and mating methods according to species or breed requirements

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when handling and working with animals

evaluate behaviour signs and objective measures that may indicate animal health is at risk

identify indicators that animals are ready for breeding and signs of hatching or parturition

identify situations and evaluate options for intervening in emergency situations related to the breeding hatching and parturition and rearing of animals

identify situations relating to the breeding and rearing of animals that require veterinary or specialist assistance

maintain breeding program and animal records

maintain highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and crossinfection

monitor animal health and condition and recognise abnormalities

literacy skills to read select and follow organisational policies and procedures including occupational health and safety OHS and infection control procedures and record details and information accurately and legibly

oral communication skillslanguage to fulfill the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning active listening and asking for clarification

numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine workplace measures

interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

problemsolving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks

use safe manual handling techniques andor equipment

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures

Required knowledge

anatomical and physiological structures and functions related to the reproduction care and wellbeing of commonly held animals

breeding program systems methods and traits related to commonly held animals

communication procedures and systems and technology relevant to the organisation and the individuals work responsibilities

diseases and ailments of breeding and young animals

industry terminology related to companion animal health and breeding processes and events

normal and abnormal animal behaviour relating to the characteristics of the species age health status and social needs

principles of animal welfare and ethics

protocols legal and ethical considerations in providing care and treatment of breeding animals and their offspring

relevant legislative and regulatory compliance requirements including the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council codes of practice companion animal legislation local council regulations microchipping animal welfare legislation and wildlife regulations

relevant organisational policies and procedures including OHS and emergency procedures and animal welfare requirements

tests and examinations used to determine suitability of animals for breeding and determine pregnancy

workplace hygiene standards disinfectants cleaning agents cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit Assessors should ensure that candidates can

identify develop and implement breeding program aims

select suitable animals for breeding programs

establish appropriate mating systems and methods

monitor breeding activities and evaluate program outcomes

identify potential risks to animals in breeding birth and early life procedures and plan for emergencies

maintain breeding program records

The skills and knowledge required to manage companion animal breedingmust be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a companion animal facility where animal breeding is conducted or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions Facilities may include aquariums aviaries boarding kennels catteries or other breeding establishments

There must be access to a range of companion animal breeds or species and the relevant information materials and documentation

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated to industry defined standards on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities

The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment Suggested strategies for this unit are

written andor oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

thirdparty evidence

workplace documentation eg breeding program records

portfolio

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Breeding requirements may include:

Resources may include:

Breeding program suitability considerations may include:

Breeding program information may include:

Legislative requirements may include:

Animals may include:

Examinations and tests may include:

Breeding systems may include:

Mating methods may include:

Potential risks to animals may include:

Industry standards may include: