Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct the most efficient and humane mulesing procedure in circumstances where all alternative methods of breech flystrike prevention have been evaluated and mulesing is considered the most appropriate of these for the long-term welfare of the sheep.
This unit applies to sheep farmers and contractors in the livestock industry who normally operate under limited supervision.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts.
All units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Conduct pre-mulesing evaluations | 1.1 Identify and comply with relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and animal welfare standards and guidelines 1.2 Identify industry standards and guidelines 1.3 Seek expert advice and discuss alternative strategies to manage flystrike susceptibility prior to undertaking mulesing procedures 1.4 Confirm workplace requirements for use of mulesing 1.5 Conduct pre-operative evaluation of sheep 1.6 Assess risks associated with mulesing procedure and implement measures to control the risks such as using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment |
2. Prepare for mulesing operations | 2.1 Identify and order all required supplies and equipment in advance 2.2 Monitor weather conditions to determine optimal conditions for operation and recovery of sheep from the procedure 2.3 Select suitable time of day for operation to minimise the separation time of lambs and ewes 2.4 Engage adequate number of skilled workers 2.5 Select appropriate yards, paddocks and pastures for each mob and each day to allow adequate time for mothering up of lambs after separation from the ewes 2.6 Use appropriate procedures for mustering, movement and handling so that stress to sheep is kept to a minimum 2.7 Allow lambs to settle and cool after yarding |
3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment | 3.1 Maintain all equipment in clean, hygienic and working conditions to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection in sheep 3.2 Maintain cradles to be used for mulesing in good working condition and can be operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator or lamb, especially when loading and unloading 3.3 Set, grind and sharpen mulesing shears to working standards 3.4 Disinfect mulesing shears after sharpening, before use and between each animal 3.5 Prepare wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers for use 3.6 Prepare and test chemical application equipment to check for operational efficiency 3.7 Clean and disinfect all equipment at the end of operation and store appropriately to minimise contamination |
4. Conduct mulesing procedures | 4.1 Conduct all procedures in accordance with work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements 4.2 Maintain a high standard of hygiene throughout the operation in relation to facilities, operators’ hands, handling and equipment 4.3 Handle lambs calmly and use appropriate restraints such as cradles 4.4 Perform mulesing procedure in accordance with model code of practice and industry standards 4.5 Apply pain relief to the wound immediately after the procedure in accordance with industry standards and legislative requirements, and following label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions 4.6 Apply insecticide dressing to the surrounding intact wool bearing skin (not the wound) immediately after the procedure in accordance with industry standards and following label and SDS instructions 4.7 Continually evaluate wound symmetry, size and position, and breaks in selvage (muscle fascia) 4.8 Remove lambs from cradles so they land gently on all four feet |
5. Conduct post-mulesing management procedures | 5.1 Allow lambs, following release, to 'mother-up' to ewes as soon as possible 5.2 Provide immediate treatment for lambs that are abandoned or unable to stand or walk 5.3 Monitor lambs for abnormal signs such as infection and septicaemia 5.4 Maintain and update required documentation and records |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
assess alternative strategies and confirm key indicators for the use of mulesing
identify optimal conditions for carrying out mulesing procedures
conduct pre-operative evaluation of lambs submitted for mulesing procedures and risk assessment in consultation with sheep manager
prepare appropriate sites, facilities and equipment in line with infection control, work health and safety and animal welfare standards including pain management in accordance with industry best standards and legislative requirements
follow low stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures
carry out mulesing operations in accordance with industry recognised best practice mulesing techniques and hygiene standards
follow appropriate procedures and label directions to provide pain relief plus insecticide dressing as required
monitor animals' behaviour post-mulesing for health and well-being including the ability to recognise signs of post-mulesing complications
communicate post-mulesing management requirements to sheep manager
accurately document and maintain appropriate records
follow relevant work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements and practices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
relevant work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements
relevant codes of practice and industry standards for mulesing
reasons and requirements for mulesing in sheep
body condition scoring (BCS), breech wrinkle scoring (BRWR) and breech cover scoring (BCOV) in lambs and adult sheep
methods and strategies of flystrike control
effects of weather, environmental, facility, flock, individual animal and human factors on mulesing operations
use and maintenance of materials and equipment for mulesing
principles and maintenance of hygiene in mulesing operations
methods and techniques for handling and restraint of adult sheep and lambs
use of pain relief and insecticide treatment in mulesing procedures
anatomy and external features of sheep
health and animal welfare implications of post mulesing complications in sheep
signs of ill health and related management strategies in sheep
use of and regulatory considerations for the use of disinfectants
relevant care, husbandry and management strategies for sheep flocks
relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including those relating to work health and safety, animal welfare, veterinary practitioner/surgeons’ Acts, stock diseases and waste disposal, agricultural and veterinary chemical use
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR workplace and a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessments for the following performance evidence must be conducted on live animals:
conduct mulesing procedures
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Livestock (LSK)