This unit applies to working under supervision within enterprise guidelines. The artificial insemination procedure will generally be carried out by a registered veterinarian or licensed inseminator, but technical support needs to be provided.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assist with preparation of animals for insemination

1.1. Animals on heat are detected and information recorded or reported to supervisors.

1.2. Animals on heat are moved to the insemination area.

1.3. Animals are restrained, where required, using safe and humane techniques to minimise stress and discomfort.

1.4. Assistance is provided with the hygienic preparation of tools and equipment.

1.5. Suitable personal protective equipment and clothing is selected, used and maintained according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and enterprise requirements.

2. Support insemination procedure

2.1. All insemination equipment is sterilised and cleaned or disposed of according to industry code of practice.

2.2. Intended recipient is correctly identified and readied.

2.3. Intended recipient is restrained, where required, and prepared for insemination to optimise results according to recognised handling techniques that minimise stress.

3. Clean work area and equipment

3.1. Waste is disposed of according to recommended hygiene standards and environmental policy.

3.2. Work area and equipment cleaned to industry standards and returned to operating order.

3.3. Animals are safely returned to designated area according to enterprise requirements and instructions.

3.4. Where used, restraints and harnesses are cleaned and returned to safe and operational order.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safety directions

safely and humanely handle livestock

sterilise equipment and prepare hygienic work site prior to insemination procedures

identify and record animals on heat

keenly observe animals and insemination processes

employ safe work practices

clean up worksite and safely dispose of waste

communicate effectively with other team members, veterinarians and/or licensed inseminators

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

oestrus cycle and heat detection

sterilisation procedures

safe animal handling

animal welfare requirements

environmental impacts and procedures of working with animals

record keeping systems.

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:

handle animals humanely and safely

prepare relevant materials and equipment

clean up work areas and equipment following insemination fertility

record details of artificial insemination.

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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Animals may include:

beef cattle

dairy cattle

sheep

goats

pigs

alpacas

horses.

Unit sector

Artificial insemination

This unit contains employability skills.