This unit requires some judgement and discretion, and would be carried out with minimal supervision within enterprise guidelines and within specified timeframes.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for brooding

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program where necessary, and confirmed with management/supervisor.

1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the production process.

1.3. Tools and equipment required for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked, and serviced if necessary.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.5. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

2. Carry out brooding operations

2.1. Temperatures are monitored and recorded accurately according to supervisor's instructions.

2.2. Day old chickens are placed in the shed according to workplace instructions and handled with care.

2.3. Shed temperatures are adjusted in accordance with supervisor or manager instructions and the observed activity of the birds.

2.4. Observed changes are recorded and reported.

2.5. Dead or culled young birds are removed and disposed of according to establishment practice and code of welfare, and recorded in appropriate record.

2.6. Brooding area is extended as young birds grow, if required and according to instructions, to provide an optimal stocking density and avoid crowding.

2.7. Black-out training of young birds/hatchlings is regularly carried out according to establishment practice.

3. Shed operation

3.1. All debris and waste material is removed from the site and disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to organisation work procedures.

3.2. Tools, machinery and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to organisation work procedures.

3.3. A clean and safe area is maintained throughout and on completion of work.

3.4. Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to organisation work procedures.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

recognise feed types

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS

perform routine hygiene maintenance activities as required by the employer or unit manager and more frequently on demand

monitor and record temperature, times, humidity and bird numbers

handle brooding chickens and hatchlings with strict accordance to the codes of welfare

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

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

Required knowledge

the relationship between bird behaviour and brooding temperature

the effect of litter quality and depth on chicken activity and or productivity

the impact that feed, water and floor space has on uniformity and subsequent flock performance

how live respiratory vaccines impact on bird behaviour and how to manage this

the need to maximise hygiene practices and awareness

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

the organisation's livestock production and management plans

sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations

relevant procedures relating to waste and environment management and animal health and welfare

relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

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:

handle hatchlings and brooding chickens and ensure access to feed and water according to codes of welfare

monitor ventilation, temperature and humidity of the shed environment

provide litter and replace as required

expand the brooding area to provide optimal stocking density as required

use immunisation techniques and diet to optimise the immune system

remove dead or culled young birds

keep records as required.

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.

Poultry may include:

all poultry species and breeds run under intensive (shedded) conditions.

Unit sector

Poultry

This unit contains employability skills.