This unit is applicable to operators who pick up young calves at dairy farms and transport them to processing works and depots for consolidating orders.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Inspect calves available for collection from farms

1.1. Calves are checked to meet specifications for transport and slaughter.

1.2. Calves are checked to meet regulatory requirements.

1.3. Calves not suitable for transport or slaughter are identified and rejected, where necessary.

1.4. Reasons for rejecting calves are explained to farmers (where necessary).

2. Weigh and load young calves, where applicable

2.1. Calves are lifted safely and humanely onto scales.

2.2. Calves are loaded safely onto truck or trailer.

2.3. Weights are recorded.

2.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) risks are identified and minimised when loading calves.

3. Prepare paperwork associated with purchase of young calves

3.1. National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and National Vendor Declaration (NVD) requirements for calves to be transported are completed.

3.2. Paperwork is prepared in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

4. Transport young calves

4.1. Collection trips are planned to meet company and regulatory requirements.

4.2. Calves are transported in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

4.3. Calves are monitored in transport in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

4.4. Appropriate action is taken to manage sick or injured calves.

5. Unload calves

5.1. Calves are unloaded safely and humanely according to company and regulatory requirements.

5.2. Required paperwork is completed and presented.

Required skills

Ability to

identify calves fit for transport and processing

communicate to explain reasons for refusing selection of calves

load, transport and unload bobby calves humanely, safely and hygienically

accurately complete relevant paperwork

plan pick up runs to meet regulatory and company requirements for time off feed

identify and observe OH&S requirements when handling calves

read and interpret relevant workplace documents

share information

manage time and priorities

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

relevant company and regulatory requirements

relevant calf behaviour

animal welfare issues associated with handling and transporting young calves

relevant paperwork for purchasing

record keeping requirements

NLIS requirements

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

The meat industry has specific and clear requirements for evidence. A minimum of three forms of evidence is required to demonstrate competency in the meat industry. This is specifically designed to provide evidence that covers the demonstration in the workplace of all aspects of competency over time.

These requirements are in addition to the requirements for valid, current, authentic and sufficient evidence.

Three forms of evidence means three different kinds of evidence - not three pieces of the same kind. In practice it will mean that most of the unit is covered twice. This increases the legitimacy of the evidence.

All assessment must be conducted against Australian meat industry standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Competencies for handling, loading, transport and unloading of calves must be demonstrated using live animals.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must be conducted under normal operating conditions.

Method of assessment

Recommended forms of assessment include:

workplace demonstration

quiz of underpinning knowledge

workplace referee or third-party report of performance over time.

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander, gender, or language backgrounds other than English. Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role.

Guidance information for assessment

A current list of resources for this unit of competency is available from MINTRAC www.mintrac.com.au or telephone 1800 817 462.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

specifications for transport and slaughter include:

land transport Standard

age

dentition

weight

time off food

handling requirements

documentation.

Unit sector

This unit contains employability skills.