This unit applies to livestock producers.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare marking plan

1.1. Information and instructions with regard to marking operations are obtained and clarified in line with enterprise objectives.

1.2. The timing of marking reflects the calendar of operations and minimises growth checks.

1.3. Animal groupings, marking operations and sequencing are determined.

1.4. Resource requirements are assessed and determined within enterprise budgetary constraints.

1.5. Marking plan is prepared and is sufficiently flexible to adapt to changes during marking operations.

2. Co-ordinate and arrange resources

2.1. Suitable locations for undertaking marking operations and facilities are located and arranged to meet requirements of marking schedules.

2.2. Equipment, materials and health treatments are arranged and provided on site.

2.3. Staff are confirmed and provided with safety, task and operational briefings.

2.4. Safe and risk assessed workplace environment is maintained in line with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and enterprise requirements.

2.5. Marking operations are timed and supervised to ensure mismothering is minimised and animal welfare requirements are met.

3. Monitor marking operation

3.1. Implementation of marking plan is monitored for efficiency and effectiveness in terms of achieving enterprise objectives.

3.2. Condition and health status of animals is monitored and abnormalities are reported in line with enterprise and animal welfare requirements.

3.3. Effective worksite communication is maintained to ensure efficient workflow and address immediate problems.

3.4. Data with regard to operational processes and outcomes are documented for continual assessment and management planning.

Required skills

identify hazards and oversee the implementing of safe operating procedures

plan, cost and schedule resource requirements

develop and implement an operational strategy

prioritise and schedule marking operations

determine and allocate staff roles and responsibilities

manage staff and operations

establish and monitor performance targets

implement safe and positive environmental workplace policies

document and prepare written plans and reports for the understanding of staff and management

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

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

management processes and procedures

cost analysis techniques

systems and procedures for planning and developing

marketing and production plans

codes of practice with regard to animal marking and animal health and welfare

veterinary medicines and administration

animal marking methods and procedures

OHS and animal welfare legislation, codes of practice and enterprise requirements

animal behaviour and nutritional requirements

environmental codes of practice associated with animal production.

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:

co-ordinate staff, equipment and resources

determine efficient animal grouping and sequencing of marking operations

prepare and implement a work plan for marking

monitor the health and well-being of animals after marking

maintain accurate data records.

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.

Livestock may include:

sheep

goats

pigs

alpacas

deer

beef cattle

dairy cattle.

Marking may include:

castrating

tagging

tailing

pizzle dropping

notching

vaccinating

tattooing

micro-chipping

branding

dehorning

trimming eye teeth

identifying abnormalities or faults and marking animals for culling.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.