This unit applies to overseeing foaling while referring any high risk issues or problems for veterinary advice.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for foaling

1.1. Condition and health status of pregnant mare is assessed and monitored prior to foaling.

1.2. Birthing equipment, resources and materials are checked and prepared for use.

1.3. Hazards in assisting with birthing are identified and safe work practices followed.

1.4. Mares are moved to area where intervention can be carried out with as little disruption as possible.

1.5. Mating or AI records are checked and anticipated foaling date is confirmed.

2. Observe the foaling process

2.1. Mares are monitored for signs of approaching parturition.

2.2. Each of the three stages of foaling - the water breaking, the expulsion of the foetus, and the expulsion of the afterbirth - are monitored with veterinary advice sought where required.

2.3. Signs of dystocia or malpresentation are noted from the rate of progress in giving birth and the initial presentation of the foal.

3. Apply intervention strategies if birthing fails to progress normally

3.1. Foaling mares are handled calmly and put in a safe and restricted environment.

3.2. Mares experiencing birthing difficulties are identified by observing behaviour and foaling progress.

3.3. Hygiene procedures are implemented to ensure the operator and any object entering the birth canal is clean.

3.4. The orientation and size of the foetus relative to the pelvis is estimated through manual palpation.

3.5. The possibility of twins is checked and the position of the lead foetus adjusted where required.

3.6. A malpresentation is physically manipulated into the correct position where required.

3.7. Force is applied to the foetus in the case of hips being caught or a breech birth.

4. Carry out monitoring after foal has been born

4.1. Mare is allowed to lie and rest for as long as possible.

4.2. The foal is allowed to stand to break the umbilical cord.

4.3. The afterbirth is tied after the mare stands and is checked for expulsion within two to three hours after foaling.

4.4. The placenta is examined to ensure no part of it has been retained.

4.5. The mare and foal are monitored for nursing and general health.

4.6. Foaling environment, facilities and equipment are maintained in a safe, hygienic and operational state and faults are reported or fixed.

4.7. Record of foaling is kept.

Required skills

carry out mare husbandry procedures and recognise signs of imminent foaling

assist at foaling in the event of difficulties

monitor mare condition and recognise abnormal behaviour

recognise abnormalities in foaling behaviour, expulsion of foetus and placenta, and progress of foal immediately after birth

refer for specialist advice where required

prepare foaling environment, materials and resources to industry standards

maintain a safe and secure post-foaling environment

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

identify hazards and use safe work practices in the foaling environment

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

foaling behaviour and basic health and nutritional requirements

foaling environment requirements

foaling equipment and materials, their components and functions

foaling intervention and non-intervention strategies

problems associated with foaling and remedial treatment

horse gestation and birthing and husbandry procedures

enterprise policies with regard to foaling down mares, recording and reporting routines

environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with horse breeding

hazards associated with handling horses

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

procedures for cleaning and maintaining treatment equipment and materials

relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and animal 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:

recognise signs of imminent foaling in mares

monitor foaling and provide assistance if required, or refer on if birthing difficulties require veterinary assistance

recognise abnormalities in freshly foaled out mares and in newborn foals

ensure both mare and foal have recovered from foaling and the foal stands and nurses.

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.

Foaling down may apply to:

all types and breeds of mares.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.