Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist animals and their newborn at birthing.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They identify and provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems.
In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
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. Prepare for birthing | 1.1 Check animal records and confirm anticipated birthing date where possible 1.2 Check condition and health status of pregnant animal and monitor prior to imminent birthing 1.3 Check birthing equipment, resources and materials and prepare for use 1.4 Give females access to shelter to give birth in during severe weather conditions 1.5 Identify hazards and report to supervisor 1.6 Use safe work practices |
2. Assist at the birthing process | 2.1 Monitor environment and animals to ensure birth progresses normally 2.2 Check for presence of predators and implement control measures where necessary and report to supervisor 2.3 Handle animals calmly with minimal disruption to the birthing process and in line with enterprise animal welfare policies 2.4 Identify animals experiencing birthing difficulties and intervene as appropriate 2.5 Seek supervisor or veterinary advice if birth complications cannot be resolved |
3. Provide post-birthing assistance | 3.1 Monitor post-birthing health and bonding of female and newborn 3.2 Maintain birthing environment, facilities and equipment in a safe, hygienic and operational state and report or fix faults 3.3 Keep records of birth |
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:
implement predator control strategies
prepare birthing environment, materials and resources to industry standards
recognise signs of imminent birthing of animals
apply contingency measures for birthing in the event of adverse weather conditions
monitor birthing and provide assistance if required or refer on if birthing difficulties require veterinary assistance
recognise abnormalities in newborn animals
provide a non threatening environment and access to adequate feed and water immediately post birthing.
carry out animal husbandry procedures associated with birthing
monitor animal condition and recognise abnormal behaviour
provide due care and handle animals humanely in line with enterprise animal welfare policies
maintain a safe and secure post-birthing environment
select birthing equipment and materials and check for operation
demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
identify hazards and use safe work practices in the birthing environment
communicate abnormalities, equipment faults and workplace hazards and report and maintain animal records
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
relevant animal behaviour, basic health and nutritional requirements
birthing environment requirements for animals
birthing equipment and materials, their components and functions
birthing intervention and non-intervention strategies
effects of adverse weather conditions on birthing process and newborn animals
effects of inadequate nutrition on animals and newborn
enterprise policies with regard to treating animals, recording and reporting routines
environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with animal production
hazards associated with handling animals
relevant livestock gestation and appropriate birthing and husbandry procedures
personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used
problems associated with birthing and remedial treatment
procedures for cleaning and maintaining treatment equipment and materials
predator behaviour and control procedures
relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to work health and safety and animal welfare.
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
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
Livestock (LSK)