This unit involves the application of some judgment and discretion. It is likely to be carried out under minimal supervision within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify and provide animal nutritional needs

1.1. Nutritional needs of pregnant animals are identified and confirmed against the enterprise feeding plan.

1.2. Feed and feed supplements are determined and provided in accordance with the feeding plan and local conditions.

1.3. Procedures to minimise feed wastage and spillage, and dispose and recycle feed waste are implemented in line with enterprise requirements.

1.4. Existing and potential Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the workplace are identified, risk assessed and controlled in line with enterprise requirements.

2. Monitor feeding process

2.1. Grazing and supplementary feeding is monitored to ensure animals are maintained in the required condition.

2.2. Feeding abnormalities are recorded and reported in line with enterprise requirements.

2.3. Environmental implications associated with animal production are identified, assessed and relevant measures implemented.

3. Maintain a secure environment for animals

3.1. Condition and security of paddocks, shelter and/or housing is monitored and maintained in line with enterprise requirements.

3.2. Basic repair work is carried out and reported as required in line with OHS and enterprise requirements.

3.3. Risk of predators to newborn animals is assessed and reported in line with workplace procedures.

3.4. Environmentally responsible measures to eradicate or control identified predators are implemented safely in accordance with relevant legislative requirements.

4. Carry out animal husbandry procedures

4.1. Animals are prepared for birthing in accordance with enterprise requirements.

4.2. Preventative health treatments are determined and administered to animals to manufacturer's specifications and recorded in line with enterprise requirements.

4.3. Contingency measures are prepared and implemented as required.

4.4. Protection from weather is provided for newborn.

Required skills

match supply of grazing or predetermined rations to nutritional requirements for pregnant animals

monitor animal health and condition and recognise abnormalities

carry out animal husbandry procedures, and provide due care and handle animals humanely

maintain animal shelter and housing where applicable

administer preventative health treatments

collect, store and administer colostrum

implement contingency measures in the event of adverse weather or birthing difficulties

employ safe and environmentally responsible systems and procedures with regard to the handling of animals, feed, hazardous substances and firearms

safely implement predator control strategies

read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and feeding plans, and material safety data sheets

assess and calculate herd/flock numbers, measure feed, assess rate and frequency of feeding, and calculate animal gestation

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

Required knowledge

physiological and behavioural signs of impending birth

animal behaviour and nutritional requirements of pregnant animals

pasture and animal grazing management

feed and feed supplements for pregnant animals and when to provide them

effects of weather conditions, and inadequate nutrition on pregnant animals and their newborn

preventative health treatments, procedures and methods

animal husbandry procedures

environmental impact of animals on ground cover and minimisation measures

environmental impact of the use and disposal of hazardous substances and minimisation measures

hazards associated with handling animals and veterinarian medicines and chemicals

sustainable land management practices

State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to OHS, animal welfare, poisons and firearm safety

relevant licensing and permit requirements (firearms)

predators and behaviour patterns, and control and eradication measures

personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

enterprise policies with regard to birthing animals, 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:

assess animals health status

provide appropriate nutritional and environmental requirements for pregnant animals

perform husbandry procedures with pregnant animals

implement measures for the survival and health of newborn animals

recognise and report abnormalities.

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:

cows and heifers (beef and dairy cattle)

ewes

does (goats)

hembra (alpacas)

sows

mares.

Factors to be considered may include:

weather protection (wind, rain, snow, heat) and the availability of feed and water supplies

the provision of "lamb or kid proof" water troughs

paddocks that are suitable to the size of herd or flock

adequate shelter and housing

safe fencing and yards.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.