List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine the nutritional requirements of horses | 1.1 Identify credible sources of information on equine nutrition relevant to enterprise needs including scientific and technical literature, historical records and industry practice information 1.2 Analyse research findings to determine credibility, relevance and currency of information 1.3 Determine the nutritional needs of horses of various classes based on research findings relevant to enterprise requirements 1.4 Apply relevant research findings to the management of enterprise nutrition practices |
2. Manage ingredients for horse rations | 2.1 Identify suitable nutrients for inclusion in an equine diet according to the individual needs of each horse, availability, quality and cost 2.2 Organise for laboratory testing to determine the quality and quantities of ingredients required for ration formulation 2.3 Implement safe, secure and hygienic storage of feed and ingredients 2.4 Calibrate measuring equipment and calculate quantities at regular intervals |
3. Formulate and modify effective feeding plans, rations and methods | 3.1 Develop a feeding plan to supply nutritional requirements to meet appropriate horse condition, performance and health outcomes 3.2 Formulate rations on the basis of identified nutritional requirements, digestive physiology and anatomy, and availability of feedstuffs 3.3 Implement feeding methods and techniques to support natural feeding behaviours 3.4 Adapt feeding plan to respond to variations in nutritional requirements and seasonal conditions 3.5 Apply a cost-effective approach to sourcing and supplying required nutrients 3.6 Assess and manage the environmental impacts of supplying feedstuffs |
4. Monitor and manage the feeding of horses | 4.1 Supply rations to horses according to enterprise schedules and requirements 4.2 Ensure feeding records and feed orders are maintained, monitored and prepared according to enterprise requirements 4.3 Monitor the implementation of the program using appropriate measures to ensure the goals of the feeding plan are achieved 4.4 Monitor and document reactions to changes in feed types, ingredients or schedules 4.5 Develop and implement a plan to manage documented adverse reactions to rations 4.6 Monitor, review and record the feeding plan and implement improvements and adjustments as required |
5. Evaluate health implications of feeding plans, rations and methods | 5.1 Monitor the health of horses for signs of inadequate nutrition or nutrition-related diseases 5.2 Research and implement solutions for identified nutrition-related health problems and seek veterinarian or professional advice where necessary 5.3 Implement alternative feed regimes, diets or methods to counter the effects of poor nutrition 5.4 Implement strategies to prevent the development of nutrition-related diseases |
6. Manage pasture for horses | 6.1 Identify and select pasture species on the basis of nutritional value, persistence under grazing by horses and environmental requirements 6.2 Identify the deleterious effects of pasture species for various classes of horses and develop a management strategy to ensure herd health 6.3 Identify and remove plants poisonous to horses from pastures and areas accessed by horses 6.4 Develop and implement a pasture management plan to maximise nutritional value, minimise negative health impacts and minimise negative environmental impact |
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify and evaluate feed types, pasture species, plants poisonous to horses
identify the nutritional needs of a wide range of horse classes, breeds, ages and categories
formulate, supply and store rations for a range of horses to meet identified nutritional needs
identify feed suppliers
assess horse body condition score
apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to the formulation of diets and management of equine nutrition
identify and manage nutrition related health disorders
undertake independent research on equine nutritional and health topics and evaluate findings for credibility and relevance
apply research findings to the management of equine nutrition
manage pastures for horses to maximise nutritional content, control weeds and minimise environmental degradation
apply literacy skills to read and produce written documentation such as scientific reports, product specifications, feed plans and reports
apply verbal communication skills to communicate with clients, staff, veterinarians and industry professionals
apply numeracy skills to the computation of rations, nutrient budgets feeding schedules, weights and measures, cost calculations
apply appropriate animal welfare practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements and in accordance with relevant Prevention of Cruelty to Animals acts
apply work health safety practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements
apply biosecurity and environmental practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the main structures and functions of the digestive system and the sites and mechanisms of digestion
the rate of passage of different nutrients and feedstuffs
feed types and sources
feeding systems
classes of horses and related nutrient needs
nutrient classes and their values
credible sources of information regarding equine nutrition , feeding and related health issues
feed storage methods
ration formulation methods
individual horse feeding behaviour
herd behaviour as it relates to supplying and managing nutrition
nutrition-related health and behaviour impacts
pasture species and plants poisonous to horses
pasture management techniques and the environmental impacts of horse grazing behaviour on pastures
work health safety standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements
biosecurity standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements
animal welfare standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements
environmental management standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements