Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and conduct Dropped Ovary Technique (DOT) procedures for controlling fertility in females in extensive beef herds, where alternative options for the management of cull heifers and cows, other than spaying, have been evaluated but deemed unsuitable or unavailable.
This unit applies to cattle producers and contractors in the livestock industry who normally operate under limited supervision. It is essential that candidates who undertake this unit have at least one year’s prior experience working with cattle.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes or 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.
Candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit. Regulations in some States and Territories restrict the conduct of the DOT procedure to registered veterinarians. There is a direct link between this unit of competency and approval for lay operators to perform the DOT procedure in some State/Territory jurisdictions.
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-DOT evaluations | 1.1 Identify and comply with relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations, codes of practice and animal welfare standards and guidelines 1.2 Discuss alternatives to ovariectomy (spaying) with cattle manager and carefully consider them prior to undertaking DOT procedure 1.3 Confirm pre-operative evaluation of cattle submitted for ovary dropping with cattle manager 1.4 Identify and discuss risks associated with DOT procedure with cattle manager |
2. Prepare for DOT operations | 2.1 Monitor weather conditions to determine optimal conditions for operation 2.2 Select time of day for operation to minimise animal stress 2.3 Engage adequate numbers of skilled workers 2.4 Select appropriate holding yards, forcing yards, race and settling yards 2.5 Follow low-stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures 2.6 Allow cattle to settle and cool after yarding |
3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment | 3.1 Ensure all equipment is well-maintained and in a clean and hygienic condition to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection 3.2 Ensure cattle crush used for procedure is maintained in good working order and operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator and animal, especially when loading and unloading 3.3 Prepare wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers and position ready for use 3.4 Prepare disinfectant solution in accordance with the label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) directions 3.5 Sharpen ovariotome regularly and disinfect before use and between each procedure 3.6 Clean and disinfect all equipment at the end of operations and store appropriately to minimise contamination |
4. Conduct DOT procedures | 4.1 Conduct all procedures in accordance with animal welfare requirements, biosecurity requirements and work health and safety standards 4.2 Maintain a high standard of hygiene throughout the procedures in relation to facilities, hands, handling and equipment 4.3 Handle cattle quietly in the holding yards, forcing yards and race so that they are relatively calm when they reach the crush 4.4 Identify common DOT procedural impediments and plan remedial actions 4.5 Provide pain management in accordance with legislative requirements 4.6 Perform DOT procedures in accordance with industry best practice standards and processing rates 4.7 Apply identification earmarks or ear tags to cattle upon completion of procedures, in accordance with relevant State/Territory legislative requirements 4.8 Release and allow ovariectomised animals to settle on to feed and water in the settling yards for several hours, before moving them quietly to pasture |
5. Carry out post DOT procedures | 5.1 Record the identity of the cattle and date of the procedure, with details of significant observations where required 5.2 Inspect cattle regularly and with minimal disturbance for signs of post-operative complications during the healing process and take appropriate action where required |
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 DOT procedures in consultation with cattle manager
identify optimal conditions for carrying out DOT procedures
conduct pre-operative evaluation of cattle submitted for ovary dropping and risk assessment in consultation with cattle manager
comply with animal welfare legislation, animal welfare standards and guidelines, State and Territory veterinary surgeons’ or practitioners’ legislation and regulations and relevant codes of conduct
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 legislative requirements
follow low-stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures
carry out DOT procedures in accordance with industry recognised best practice DOT procedure and processing rates, implement remedial actions and hygiene standards
communicate post-spay management requirements to cattle manager
accurately document and maintain appropriate records
follow relevant biosecurity requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
alternative options available to control fertility in cattle
animal welfare and biosecurity requirements for the use of DOT in cattle
anatomy and reproductive features of cattle
body condition scoring of cattle
relevant cattle nutrition and husbandry requirements for the specific cattle management system
industry recognised best practice DOT procedure and processing rates
use of, and regulatory considerations for the use of disinfectants
health and animal welfare implications of post-operative complications of the use of DOT in cattle
animal welfare legislation, animal welfare standards and guidelines, State and Territory veterinary surgeons’ or practitioners’ legislation and regulations and relevant codes of conduct as they apply to DOT
relevant work health and safety requirements
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR the workplace and a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessments for performance evidence must be conducted in an on-farm workplace situation with access to appropriate female cattle, facilities and equipment.
Assessment for the following performance evidence must be conducted on live animals:
conduct DOT 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)