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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify pig condition
   • Condition of pigs is accurately determined and scores are recorded according to recognised industry practices.
   • Pigs are ranked according to scores and nutritional requirements adjusted to facilitate optimum condition.
   • Feeding strategies are appropriate to the pig environment and seasonal conditions.
   • Judgements on pig conditions are based on verifiable information.
2. Facilitate mating
   • Oestrus inducement and detection procedures are carried out according to established industry practice.
   • Mating areas are secure and provide for access during joining.
   • Mating procedures and handling techniques that minimise stress and discomfort to livestock and meet Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements are used.
   • Mating is supervised and intervention when required is undertaken to maximise conception rates.
3. Complete mating procedure
   • Regular post-mating heat detection is carried out to check sows returning to oestrus as per enterprise requirements.
   • Records of mating are recorded accurately, legibly and according to enterprise and industry requirements.
4. Monitor sows to parturition
   • Nutritional needs of pregnant sows are identified and confirmed against the enterprise feeding plan.
   • Feed and feed supplements are determined and provided in accordance with the feeding plan and local conditions.

Required Skills

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safety directions accurately condition score dry sows supervise pig mating and assist as appropriate conduct return checks on sows administer preventative health treatments carry out postmating heat detection read and interpret manufacturers specifications work and feeding plans and material safety data sheets communicate abnormalities workplace hazards and report and maintain animal records employ safe work practices communicate effectively with other team members veterinarians and supervisors 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 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

sow conditioning oestrus cycles anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive systems in pigs factors affecting conception pregnancy testing and oestrus detection procedures pig health and abnormalities preventative health treatments procedures and methods livestock movement and behavioural characteristics handling and assisted joining techniques hazards associated with handling animals and veterinarian medicines and chemicals physiological and behavioural signs of impending farrowing animal behaviour and nutritional requirements of sows feed and feed supplements for sows and when to provide them animal husbandry procedures enterprise and industry identification system for livestock personal protective equipment and when and how it should be used relevant StateTerritory legislation regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS and animal welfare enterprise and industry policies with regard to recording and reporting routines

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 identify appropriate mating plans and select appropriate dams and sires monitor sows condition revise feeding strategies detect oestrus cycles monitor mating and take remedial action where needed record data and report on the effectiveness of the mating program
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

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Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Pigs may include:	pigs of all breeds or types used for commercial pork production.

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