This unit applies to supporting new born animals in small and large enterprises.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Obtain colostrum

1.1. Required equipment is obtained, checked and sterilised.

1.2. Suitable donor animals are identified and colostrum is collected.

1.3. Artificial colostrum is obtained from stocks held where required.

1.4. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

2. Administer colostrum to newborn animals

2.1. Identify newborn animals requiring supplementary colostrum.

2.2. Obtain and prepare feeding equipment.

2.3. Frozen colostrum is thawed at room temperature.

2.4. Thawed colostrum is warmed to body temperature.

2.5. Warmed colostrum is administered to newborn animals according to individual animal requirements and enterprise procedures.

2.6. Newborn animals are checked regularly after administration of colostrum and repeat colostrum feeds are given as required.

3. Store colostrum

3.1. Colostrum is filtered according to enterprise procedures and placed in appropriate container.

3.2. Surplus colostrum is frozen for future use and container is labelled with details of donor animal and date of collection.

Required skills

filter colostrum

prepare artificial colostrum

handle animals after parturition

handle and feed new born animals

observe health and condition of newborn animals

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

the time periods after parturition in which colostrum can be collected from donor animals

the time periods during which newborn animals must receive feeds of colostrum

the nutrition requirements of newborn animals and the reasons for feeding colostrum

the behavioural characteristics of animals that have just given birth.

animal welfare requirements and safe work practices.

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

Competency is demonstrated in this standard if the candidate is able to:

filter colostrum

prepare artificial colostrum

handle animals after parturition

handle and feed new born animals

observe health and condition of newborn 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

horses

goats

alpacas

pigs.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.