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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for birthing
   • Check animal records and confirm anticipated birthing date where possible
   • Check condition and health status of pregnant animal and monitor prior to imminent birthing
   • Check birthing equipment, resources and materials and prepare for use
   • Give females access to shelter to give birth in during severe weather conditions
   • Identify hazards and report to supervisor
   • Use safe work practices
2. Assist at the birthing process
   • Monitor environment and animals to ensure birth progresses normally
   • Check for presence of predators and implement control measures where necessary and report to supervisor
   • Handle animals calmly with minimal disruption to the birthing process and in line with enterprise animal welfare policies
   • Identify animals experiencing birthing difficulties and intervene as appropriate
   • Seek supervisor or veterinary advice if birth complications cannot be resolved
3. Provide post-birthing assistance
   • Monitor post-birthing health and bonding of female and newborn
   • Maintain birthing environment, facilities and equipment in a safe, hygienic and operational state and report or fix faults
   • Keep records of birth

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

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:

implement predator control strategies

prepare birthing environment, materials and resources to industry standards

recognise signs of imminent birthing of animals

apply contingency measures for birthing in the event of adverse weather conditions

monitor birthing and provide assistance if required or refer on if birthing difficulties require veterinary assistance

recognise abnormalities in newborn animals

provide a non threatening environment and access to adequate feed and water immediately post birthing.

carry out animal husbandry procedures associated with birthing

monitor animal condition and recognise abnormal behaviour

provide due care and handle animals humanely in line with enterprise animal welfare policies

maintain a safe and secure post-birthing environment

select birthing equipment and materials and check for operation

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

identify hazards and use safe work practices in the birthing environment

communicate abnormalities, equipment faults and workplace hazards and report and maintain animal records

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

relevant animal behaviour, basic health and nutritional requirements

birthing environment requirements for animals

birthing equipment and materials, their components and functions

birthing intervention and non-intervention strategies

effects of adverse weather conditions on birthing process and newborn animals

effects of inadequate nutrition on animals and newborn

enterprise policies with regard to treating animals, recording and reporting routines

environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with animal production

hazards associated with handling animals

relevant livestock gestation and appropriate birthing and husbandry procedures

personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

problems associated with birthing and remedial treatment

procedures for cleaning and maintaining treatment equipment and materials

predator behaviour and control procedures

relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to work health and safety and animal welfare.

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