Application
This unit of competency covers the planning required to determine the genetic selection of a pure breed or cross breeding program to suit the farm environment. The plan will aim to increase production and financial return by using genetic improvement of the livestock for meat production, dairy production and fibre production and the evaluation of the current breeding program. Data is collected and analysed in order to select sires and dams to improve the livestock to meet the product specifications chosen for the enterprise. Evaluation of the breeding program is carried out on completion.
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 is applicable to a person who has a role in managing a breeding enterprise. This unit is likely to require consultation with breed societies, importers and distributors of genetic material, local livestock agents, processors and marketers of the product.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Determine breeding goals for the enterprise in relation to market specifications | 1.1 Determine the breeding goals for the short term and the strategy to meet market specifications in the long term 1.2 Analyse the traits affecting profit in a livestock breeding enterprise to optimise production through an improved genetic breeding program 1.3 Assess the environment where the breeding enterprise is based and select a breed and breeding program to match that environment 1.4 Select a product specification suited to the breeding enterprise |
2. Assess current performance of the breeding enterprise | 2.1 Collect and analyse data on the traits currently used in the breeding enterprise 2.2 Collect and analyse data on current market performance, using feedback from processors and customers |
3. Assess and select livestock for genetic improvement | 3.1 Assess the current breeding herd for the genetic traits required for production and marketing 3.2 Analyse genetic information to select herd replacements from the breeding herd and before purchasing stock 3.3 Evaluate the costs and benefits of natural mating, Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) to achieve genetic improvement |
4. Carry out a breeding program | 4.1 Assess and improve the facilities on the property for drafting, inseminating and pregnancy testing 4.2 Develop and monitor procedures to be followed for work health and safety while implementing the animal-breeding program 4.3 Apply legal, veterinarian and welfare requirements 4.4 Apply practices to improve submission rates and conception rates of a breeding program 4.5 Assist genetic selection by the use of equipment to aid in data collection and analysis 4.6 Use new technology to collect feedback to improve production and market performance |
5. Evaluate the breeding program against the breeding goals | 5.1 Assess the compliance of the livestock to the market specifications by using electronic information including feedback sheets and test results 5.2 Assess the phenotype of the livestock produced against the breeding goals |
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:
analyse profit for the breeding enterprise
select suitable market specifications for the enterprise
develop selection criteria for a breeding program
select livestock for a breeding program on phenotype and genotype
assess farm facilities to carry out a breeding program
use Breed Object index
arrange Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) programs
implement the breeding program
feed livestock to ensure success of a breeding program
organise drugs, animal identification and all equipment in clean working order in preparation for the program
keep breeding and production records
submit records and information for statistical analysis and registration of livestock
handle livestock safely and humanely
interpret feedback information
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
theory of cell division and the structure of DNA
heritability estimates for the selected characteristics
recording and understanding breed pedigrees
dominant genetic traits and marker genes
accuracy of the genetic potential of the selected breeding trait for the program
genetic defects
value of heterosis in a breeding program
ethics and codes of practice for the welfare of livestock on the breeding program
phenotype selection criteria
market specifications targeted by the breeding program
long term breeding aims
pregnancy testing procedure
veterinary and non-veterinary standard operating procedures
sources for genetic information, up to date program design and implementation procedures
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
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)