Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect semen from drone honey bees and inseminate a queen bee.
This unit applies to beekeepers who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 Determine breeding method | 1.1 Review options for artificial breeding to determine the most suitable and affordable method in line with breeding objectives 1.2 Select an artificial breeding option in line with the organisation’s breeding program and queen and drone management program and match to resources 1.3 Identify, source and arrange resource requirements 1.4 Prepare program schedules based on available resources 1.5 Confirm that suitable personal protective equipment for self and breeding support staff is available and in good condition |
2. Implement breeding method | 2.1 Obtain genetic material from reliable and legitimate sources 2.2 Receive, check and store genetic material to ensure maximum viability and program outcomes 2.3 Manage rearing times so that queen bees and drones are of appropriate age and condition when artificial insemination is scheduled to occur 2.4 Collect semen from drones, prepare queens and inseminate using hygienic techniques to minimise risk of contamination 2.5 After insemination, place queen in a colony of suitable strength and monitor. |
3. Monitor and maintain program | 3.1 Review adjustments in genetic material transfer practices to enhance success of future programs 3.2 Document data on genetic material transfer programs 3.3 Calculate and use success rates from breeding objectives to determine success of artificial insemination program 3.4 Identify and record modifications to queen and drone management program to assist continuous improvement processes |
Evidence of Performance
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:
schedule and obtain resources for insemination activities
determine artificial insemination timing
match queen and drone cycles
prepare queen and drone honey bees for artificial insemination
use appropriate artificial insemination techniques
keep records in relation to an artificial insemination program
maintain required hygiene standards
manage queen bees after insemination
identify that an inseminated queen bee is laying fertilised eggs.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of artificial insemination of queen bees
anatomy and physiology of reproductive organs and reproductive process in queen and drone honey bees
genetics and inheritance of bee characteristics
artificial breeding methods and the benefits and limitations of methods used
honey bee health and abnormalities
identification systems for queen and drone honey bees and semen
physical resource requirements and how to safely handle and transport bees
artificial insemination policies and recording and reporting requirements
preparation requirements for artificial insemination
semen collection and homogenising processes
organisational breeding programs.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Beekeeping (BEK)