This unit applies to farm workers on livestock enterprises. It requires taking responsibility for own work output and using well-developed skills with some discretion and judgement under routine supervision.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for animal castration

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 production process.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented.

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

1.5. Castration area is hygienically cleaned to minimise the risk of infection.

1.6. Equipment, instruments and resources needed for castration operations are selected and assembled.

1.7. Male animals are separated as required to facilitate ease of handling and to minimise stress.

2. Castrate animals

2.1. Individual animals are selected, caught and humanely restrained using industry standard techniques.

2.2. Animals are checked for health and soundness according to organisation guidelines.

2.3. Restrained animals are castrated in a humane and hygienic manner according to organisational guidelines, industry standards, and the code of animal welfare.

2.4. Records are completed as instructed by organisational guidelines.

3. Complete hygiene and administration activities

3.1. All debris, waste material and animal residues are removed from the site and disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to organisation work procedures.

3.2. Instruments and equipment are hygienically cleaned, maintained and stored according to organisation work procedures.

3.3. A clean and safe area is maintained throughout and on completion of work.

3.4. Work outcomes are documented or reported to the supervisor according to organisation work procedures.

4. Monitor castrates

4.1. Animals are monitored to identify post-castration complications.

4.2. Animals exhibiting signs of ill health or infection are identified and treated.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

carry out animal husbandry tasks in hygienic manner

record the number and health of animals post castration

work effectively as a part of a team

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

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

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 numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

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

male anatomy as it relates to castration

organisation castration, hygiene and animal welfare procedures and policies

industry standards for the care and husbandry of animals

the need to maximise hygiene practices and awareness

sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations

relevant OHS legislation, codes of practice and enterprise requirements

animal welfare requirements under the code of practice.

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:

handle animals humanely in line with animal welfare codes of practice

perform a recommended method of castration with attention to hygiene

administer pre or post operative treatments

monitor castrated animals.

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:

cattle

sheep

alpacas

goats

pigs.

Castration methods include:

surgical, elastrators and/or emasculators.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.