This unit applies to working with limited responsibility within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare mares for teasing and mating

1.1. Mares displaying signs of oestrus in the paddock are identified and advice provided to supervisor.

1.2. Mares are mustered safely and quietly from paddock to teasing yards using appropriate handling procedures.

1.3. Mares are handled for teasing using appropriate handling procedures.

1.4. Mare is restrained using appropriate restraining methods

1.5. Mare's reaction to the teaser is noted and reported to supervisor.

1.6. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

1.7. Natural mating or artificial insemination procedures are implemented.

1.8. Mares are returned to foals and settled after mating or AI.

2. Handle mares for routine veterinary reproductive procedures

2.1. Mares are led into crush, ensuring safety and wellbeing of both mare and foal, if present.

2.2. Mare and foal are handled to ensure both are settled and safe.

2.3. An appropriate restraint method in the crush is used.

2.4. Assistance is provided to the veterinarian to prepare for examination of the mare when necessary.

3. Care for and handle in-foal wet and dry mare

3.1. External genitalia and udder of mares are examined using correct procedure.

3.2. In-foal mares are examined for general health and wellbeing and possible signs of abortion.

3.3. Mares close to foaling are identified and advice provided to supervisor.

3.4. Mares with foals at foot and the foal are examined for general health and wellbeing.

4. Assist with foaling down mares

4.1. Observe for signs of impending parturition in the mare.

4.2. Ensure foaling mares are in a secure place where they can be observed and assisted if required.

4.3. Report variations to the normal foaling pattern that may suggest difficulties.

4.4. Observe that the newborn foal is able to stand and then treat the broken umbilical cord.

4.5. Observe the condition of the mare including the expulsion of the placenta and mothering behaviour.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safe operating procedures

handle mares and foals safely and quietly

check for health and wellbeing of mares and possible signs of abortion

use a variety of teasing methods

use a variety of restraints

use safe work practices

ensure animal welfare practices are used

communicate effectively with other team members, veterinarians and supervisors

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

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

caring for and handling in-foal mares

caring for and handling mares with foals at foot

signs of oestrus

signs of abortion

signs of imminent foaling in mares

teasing methods

restraint methods used during teasing

restraint methods used in the crush

general health and wellbeing signs in mares

foaling process in mares and signs of abnormalities

relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environment and animal welfare

enterprise and industry policies with regard to recording and reporting routines.

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:

prepare and handle wet and dry mares for teasing

detect oestrus cycles

monitor mating or AI and take remedial action where needed

record data of mare mating.

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.

Mares may include:

those who may be in-foal, wet or dry and be of any type or breed.

Mating may include:

mares mated naturally or artificially inseminated.

Unit sector

Horse breeding

This unit contains employability skills.