This unit applies to working under routine supervision within organisation guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to work with livestock

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program where necessary, and confirmed with management.

1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the process.

1.3. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and maintained if necessary.

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

2. Carry out livestock checks

2.1. All livestock are routinely checked for signs of ill health.

2.2. Livestock are examined for signs of illness, injuries and abnormalities, and signs of these are reported in the methods prescribed in the organisations work procedures.

2.3. While handling livestock, the potential for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards is continually monitored, risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented.

2.4. Livestock are handled safely and all required restraints are within the organisations and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare.

3. Deal with livestock emergencies

3.1. Common signs of livestock injury or life threatening conditions are detected and the situation quickly analysed before notification or action is taken.

3.2. Life threatening livestock ailments requiring emergency treatment are notified to the supervisor, manager or veterinarian and immediate assistance is called.

3.3. Basic emergency and/or livestock first aid procedures are carried out until professional help arrives.

3.4. Serious cuts and abrasions to livestock are promptly reported to the supervisor or to the veterinarian and assistance provided as required during professional treatment.

4. Provide veterinary procedure support

4.1. Cuts, abrasions and bruises are treated under instruction from the veterinarian, manager or foreman.

4.2. Animals are examined for signs of distress or soreness after moving or mating procedures and all abnormalities are reported.

4.3. Appropriate treatment is applied as instructed by the manager or supervisor.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safe operating procedures

handle livestock

identify signs of ill health or injury or signs of injury or abnormality

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

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

the range of ailments that may occur or affect livestock

the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision

the behaviour of the relevant species

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

the organisations livestock production and management plans

sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris

relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management and animal health and welfare.

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:

check livestock regularly

identify symptoms of ill health or injury

deal efficiently and calmly with livestock emergencies

complete basic livestock first aid procedures

record and report serious issues or injuries.

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.

Livestock may include:

cattle

sheep

pigs

alpacas

goats

deer.

Livestock does not include:

horses

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.