AHCPHR504
Manage equine nutrition


Application

This unit applies to owners, managers and supervisors of equine enterprises with responsibility for the management of the nutritional requirements of a diverse range of performance horses. It covers all aspects of feeding plan development, implementation and monitoring as well as the selection and management of pasture for horses.

The work functions within this unit require the demonstration of ration formulation based on digestive physiology and anatomy, scientific evidence, industry practice, and the identification of and appropriate response to nutritional-related disorders.

This unit applies to individuals working in all horse industry sectors including training and competition centres, stud farms, agistment centres and riding schools.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to 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 the nutritional requirements of horses

1.1 Identify credible sources of information on equine nutrition relevant to enterprise needs including scientific and technical literature, historical records and industry practice information

1.2 Analyse research findings to determine credibility, relevance and currency of information

1.3 Determine the nutritional needs of horses of various classes based on research findings relevant to enterprise requirements

1.4 Apply relevant research findings to the management of enterprise nutrition practices

2. Manage ingredients for horse rations

2.1 Identify suitable nutrients for inclusion in an equine diet according to the individual needs of each horse, availability, quality and cost

2.2 Organise for laboratory testing to determine the quality and quantities of ingredients required for ration formulation

2.3 Implement safe, secure and hygienic storage of feed and ingredients

2.4 Calibrate measuring equipment and calculate quantities at regular intervals

3. Formulate and modify effective feeding plans, rations and methods

3.1 Develop a feeding plan to supply nutritional requirements to meet appropriate horse condition, performance and health outcomes

3.2 Formulate rations on the basis of identified nutritional requirements, digestive physiology and anatomy, and availability of feedstuffs

3.3 Implement feeding methods and techniques to support natural feeding behaviours

3.4 Adapt feeding plan to respond to variations in nutritional requirements and seasonal conditions

3.5 Apply a cost-effective approach to sourcing and supplying required nutrients

3.6 Assess and manage the environmental impacts of supplying feedstuffs

4. Monitor and manage the feeding of horses

4.1 Supply rations to horses according to enterprise schedules and requirements

4.2 Ensure feeding records and feed orders are maintained, monitored and prepared according to enterprise requirements

4.3 Monitor the implementation of the program using appropriate measures to ensure the goals of the feeding plan are achieved

4.4 Monitor and document reactions to changes in feed types, ingredients or schedules

4.5 Develop and implement a plan to manage documented adverse reactions to rations

4.6 Monitor, review and record the feeding plan and implement improvements and adjustments as required

5. Evaluate health implications of feeding plans, rations and methods

5.1 Monitor the health of horses for signs of inadequate nutrition or nutrition-related diseases

5.2 Research and implement solutions for identified nutrition-related health problems and seek veterinarian or professional advice where necessary

5.3 Implement alternative feed regimes, diets or methods to counter the effects of poor nutrition

5.4 Implement strategies to prevent the development of nutrition-related diseases

6. Manage pasture for horses

6.1 Identify and select pasture species on the basis of nutritional value, persistence under grazing by horses and environmental requirements

6.2 Identify the deleterious effects of pasture species for various classes of horses and develop a management strategy to ensure herd health

6.3 Identify and remove plants poisonous to horses from pastures and areas accessed by horses

6.4 Develop and implement a pasture management plan to maximise nutritional value, minimise negative health impacts and minimise negative environmental impact

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

identify and evaluate feed types, pasture species, plants poisonous to horses

identify the nutritional needs of a wide range of horse classes, breeds, ages and categories

formulate, supply and store rations for a range of horses to meet identified nutritional needs

identify feed suppliers

assess horse body condition score

apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to the formulation of diets and management of equine nutrition

identify and manage nutrition related health disorders

undertake independent research on equine nutritional and health topics and evaluate findings for credibility and relevance

apply research findings to the management of equine nutrition

manage pastures for horses to maximise nutritional content, control weeds and minimise environmental degradation

apply literacy skills to read and produce written documentation such as scientific reports, product specifications, feed plans and reports

apply verbal communication skills to communicate with clients, staff, veterinarians and industry professionals

apply numeracy skills to the computation of rations, nutrient budgets feeding schedules, weights and measures, cost calculations

apply appropriate animal welfare practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements and in accordance with relevant Prevention of Cruelty to Animals acts

apply work health safety practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

apply biosecurity and environmental practices relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

the main structures and functions of the digestive system and the sites and mechanisms of digestion

the rate of passage of different nutrients and feedstuffs

feed types and sources

feeding systems

classes of horses and related nutrient needs

nutrient classes and their values

credible sources of information regarding equine nutrition , feeding and related health issues

feed storage methods

ration formulation methods

individual horse feeding behaviour

herd behaviour as it relates to supplying and managing nutrition

nutrition-related health and behaviour impacts

pasture species and plants poisonous to horses

pasture management techniques and the environmental impacts of horse grazing behaviour on pastures

work health safety standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

biosecurity standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

animal welfare standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements

environmental management standards, policies and procedures relevant to enterprise and legislative requirements


Assessment Conditions

Assessment may be conducted in a simulated or real work environment.

Performance should be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

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

Performance Horse (PHR)