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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Conduct pre-DOT evaluations
   • Identify and comply with relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations, codes of practice and animal welfare standards and guidelines
   • Discuss alternatives to ovariectomy (spaying) with cattle manager and carefully consider them prior to undertaking DOT procedure
   • Confirm pre-operative evaluation of cattle submitted for ovary dropping with cattle manager
   • Identify and discuss risks associated with DOT procedure with cattle manager
2. Prepare for DOT operations
   • Monitor weather conditions to determine optimal conditions for operation
   • Select time of day for operation to minimise animal stress
   • Engage adequate numbers of skilled workers
   • Select appropriate holding yards, forcing yards, race and settling yards
   • Follow low-stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures
   • Allow cattle to settle and cool after yarding
3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment
   • Ensure all equipment is well-maintained and in a clean and hygienic condition to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
   • Ensure cattle crush used for procedure is maintained in good working order and operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator and animal, especially when loading and unloading
   • Prepare wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers and position ready for use
   • Prepare disinfectant solution in accordance with the label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) directions
   • Sharpen ovariotome regularly and disinfect before use and between each procedure
   • Clean and disinfect all equipment at the end of operations and store appropriately to minimise contamination
4. Conduct DOT procedures
   • Conduct all procedures in accordance with animal welfare requirements, biosecurity requirements and work health and safety standards
   • Maintain a high standard of hygiene throughout the procedures in relation to facilities, hands, handling and equipment
   • Handle cattle quietly in the holding yards, forcing yards and race so that they are relatively calm when they reach the crush
   • Identify common DOT procedural impediments and plan remedial actions
   • Provide pain management in accordance with legislative requirements
   • Perform DOT procedures in accordance with industry best practice standards and processing rates
   • Apply identification earmarks or ear tags to cattle upon completion of procedures, in accordance with relevant State/Territory legislative requirements
   • Release and allow ovariectomised animals to settle on to feed and water in the settling yards for several hours, before moving them quietly to pasture
5. Carry out post DOT procedures
   • Record the identity of the cattle and date of the procedure, with details of significant observations where required
   • Inspect cattle regularly and with minimal disturbance for signs of post-operative complications during the healing process and take appropriate action where required

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:

assess alternative strategies and confirm key indicators for the use of DOT procedures in consultation with cattle manager

identify optimal conditions for carrying out DOT procedures

conduct pre-operative evaluation of cattle submitted for ovary dropping and risk assessment in consultation with cattle manager

comply with animal welfare legislation, animal welfare standards and guidelines, State and Territory veterinary surgeons’ or practitioners’ legislation and regulations and relevant codes of conduct

prepare appropriate sites, facilities and equipment in line with infection control, work health and safety and animal welfare standards including pain management in accordance with legislative requirements

follow low-stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures

carry out DOT procedures in accordance with industry recognised best practice DOT procedure and processing rates, implement remedial actions and hygiene standards

communicate post-spay management requirements to cattle manager

accurately document and maintain appropriate records

follow relevant biosecurity requirements

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

alternative options available to control fertility in cattle

animal welfare and biosecurity requirements for the use of DOT in cattle

anatomy and reproductive features of cattle

body condition scoring of cattle

relevant cattle nutrition and husbandry requirements for the specific cattle management system

industry recognised best practice DOT procedure and processing rates

use of, and regulatory considerations for the use of disinfectants

health and animal welfare implications of post-operative complications of the use of DOT in cattle

animal welfare legislation, animal welfare standards and guidelines, State and Territory veterinary surgeons’ or practitioners’ legislation and regulations and relevant codes of conduct as they apply to DOT

relevant work health and safety requirements

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