Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for foaling
   • Condition and health status of pregnant mare is assessed and monitored prior to foaling.
   • Birthing equipment, resources and materials are checked and prepared for use.
   • Hazards in assisting with birthing are identified and safe work practices followed.
   • Mares are moved to area where intervention can be carried out with as little disruption as possible.
   • Mating or AI records are checked and anticipated foaling date is confirmed.
2. Observe the foaling process
   • Mares are monitored for signs of approaching parturition.
   • Each of the three stages of foaling - the water breaking, the expulsion of the foetus, and the expulsion of the afterbirth - are monitored with veterinary advice sought where required.
   • Signs of dystocia or malpresentation are noted from the rate of progress in giving birth and the initial presentation of the foal.
3. Apply intervention strategies if birthing fails to progress normally
   • Foaling mares are handled calmly and put in a safe and restricted environment.
   • Mares experiencing birthing difficulties are identified by observing behaviour and foaling progress.
   • Hygiene procedures are implemented to ensure the operator and any object entering the birth canal is clean.
   • The orientation and size of the foetus relative to the pelvis is estimated through manual palpation.
   • The possibility of twins is checked and the position of the lead foetus adjusted where required.
   • A malpresentation is physically manipulated into the correct position where required.
   • Force is applied to the foetus in the case of hips being caught or a breech birth.
4. Carry out monitoring after foal has been born
   • Mare is allowed to lie and rest for as long as possible.
   • The foal is allowed to stand to break the umbilical cord.
   • The afterbirth is tied after the mare stands and is checked for expulsion within two to three hours after foaling.
   • The placenta is examined to ensure no part of it has been retained.
   • The mare and foal are monitored for nursing and general health.
   • Foaling environment, facilities and equipment are maintained in a safe, hygienic and operational state and faults are reported or fixed.
   • Record of foaling is kept.

Required Skills

Required skills

carry out mare husbandry procedures and recognise signs of imminent foaling assist at foaling in the event of difficulties monitor mare condition and recognise abnormal behaviour recognise abnormalities in foaling behaviour expulsion of foetus and placenta and progress of foal immediately after birth refer for specialist advice where required prepare foaling environment materials and resources to industry standards maintain a safe and secure postfoaling environment demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices identify hazards and use safe work practices in the foaling 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 use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

Required knowledge

foaling behaviour and basic health and nutritional requirements foaling environment requirements foaling equipment and materials their components and functions foaling intervention and nonintervention strategies problems associated with foaling and remedial treatment horse gestation and birthing and husbandry procedures enterprise policies with regard to foaling down mares recording and reporting routines environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with horse breeding hazards associated with handling horses 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

Evidence Required

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 foaling in mares monitor foaling and provide assistance if required or refer on if birthing difficulties require veterinary assistance recognise abnormalities in freshly foaled out mares and in newborn foals ensure both mare and foal have recovered from foaling and the foal stands and nurses
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

---

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Foaling down may apply to:	all types and breeds of mares.

---