Required skills

carry out cow husbandry procedures and recognise signs of imminent calving

apply contingency measures for calving in the event of difficulties

ability to correctly apply calving ropeschains and use suitable calf pulling equipment

monitor cow condition and recognise abnormal behaviourpresentations

ability to manual palpate and recognise simple malpresentations

recognise abnormalities in calving behaviour expulsion of foetus and placenta and progress of calf immediately after birth

prepare calving environment materials and resources to industry standards

maintain a safe and secure postcalving environment

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

identify hazards and use safe work practices in the calving environment

use literacy skills to read interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures follow sequenced written instructions record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skillslanguage competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning techniques active listening clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine workplace measures

Required knowledge

calving behaviour and basic health and nutritional requirements as directed

calving environment requirements

calving equipment and materials their components and functions

calving intervention and nonintervention strategies

normal calf presentation v abnormal that may need assistance

problems associated with calving and intervention and follow up treatment

cow gestation and birthing and husbandry procedures

enterprise policies with regard to calving down recording and reporting routines

environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with cattle breeding

health and injury hazards associated with handling cattle

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

procedures for cleaning and maintaining treatment equipment and materials

relevant StateTerritory legislation regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace Occupational Health and Safety OHS and animal welfare

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 holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following

recognise signs of imminent calving in cattle

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

recognise abnormalities in calved cows and in newborn calves

monitor cow and calf post calving

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances

Compliance requirements may include:

Class of stock to be calved down may include:

Calving equipment may include:

Hygiene procedures may include:

Post calving procedures may include:

Situations requiring veterinary intervention may include: