This unit entails working with the application of some judgement and discretion, and is carried out with minimal supervision within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Monitor weather conditions

1.1. Weather is monitored during and post-shearing operations, and work programs revised in response to changing circumstances.

1.2. Adverse weather conditions are identified and the likely impacts on livestock, feed and property assessed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

1.3. Appropriate actions are determined to minimise loss or damage to livestock in/during adverse weather conditions according to enterprise requirements.

2. Assess and monitor livestock condition

2.1. Livestock condition and health status is assessed and recorded according to industry and enterprise requirements.

2.2. Abnormal behaviour or evidence of sickness is identified and reported for remedial action according to enterprise requirements.

2.3. Water and feed requirements for livestock are determined and provided, and supplementary feeding arranged as required.

3. Maintain livestock environment

3.1. Livestock yards and facilities are clean, secure and safe and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

3.2. Suitable shelter for shorn livestock is maintained to prevent losses according to animal welfare requirements.

3.3. Existing and potential hazards are recognised and controlled according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and enterprise requirements.

4. Complete post-shearing operations

4.1. Environmental implications associated with shearing activities are monitored and controlled.

4.2. Shearing facilities and equipment are cleaned and waste is disposed of according to enterprise environmental requirements.

4.3. Relevant information is recorded and reported according to enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work practices

relate weather conditions to livestock requirements

prepare contingency plan and anticipate emergency action

handle livestock with due care

weigh livestock and assess condition

observe and monitor livestock behaviour, health and condition

read and interpret weather information

calculate livestock numbers and calculate and measure feed requirements

provide feed and water

rug animals where required

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 numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

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

impacts of adverse weather conditions on shorn livestock

physiological conditions brought on by stress, and treatment of same

types and constructs of livestock shelter

livestock handling techniques

condition scoring

appropriate types of feed for stressed livestock

environmental and animal welfare codes of practice with regard to livestock production

OHS and animal welfare legislative requirements

national codes of practice for the Shearing Industry (Health, Safety and Welfare standards).

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:

determine livestock requirements for weather conditions

prepare a contingency plan for bad weather and anticipate emergency action

handle livestock with due care and provide feed and water

observe and monitor livestock behaviour health and condition.

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.

Shearing may include:

shorn livestock of all breeds and types.

Unit sector

Shearing

This unit contains employability skills.