Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement a breeding strategy. It includes the ability to determine breeding objectives, establish a broodstock or progeny selection criteria and assess the effectiveness of the program.
This unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for the technical and management requirements of the breeding facility and program for an aquaculture workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine breeding objectives | 1.1 Determine breeding strategy requirements in consideration of capacity of facility, relevant characteristics of cultured or held stock, and marketing and production plans 1.2 Interpret and use breeding and production records as the basis for breeding strategy 1.3 Assess economic feasibility of breeding objectives 1.4 Determine selection aims or goals according to workplace or customer requirements |
2. Determine and apply selection criteria | 2.1 Determine visual and objective methods of good stock selection 2.2 Establish criteria for female and male selection 2.3 Cull broodstock that fail to meet selection 2.4 Identify broodstock and genetic material and send samples for analysis by external laboratory, in line with workplace practices 2.5 Assess genetic and disease implications from results received |
3. Manage the breeding program | 3.1 Manage breeding facilities to meet veterinary guidelines and broodstock requirements 3.2 Implement broodstock maturation or spawning treatments according to workplace procedures 3.3 Determine fertilisation and progeny rearing strategy according to breeding objectives 3.4 Identify stock for sale according to breeding strategy and legislative and permit requirements 3.5 Select replacement broodstock according to breeding strategy |
4. Review the breeding program | 4.1 Research mechanisation or automation of process or activity, including the use of specialised contract services, and make recommendations to management 4.2 Analyse data from stock selection and sales to evaluate success of breeding program against breeding strategy and objectives 4.3 Update breeding plan to detail procedures for changes in breeding objectives 4.4 Inform personnel on implementation of breeding plan |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Researches and analyses technical information from a range of sources Interprets laboratory reports and workplace documentation |
Writing | Records and compiles accurate and detailed stock records Documents reports and plans using clear language and agreed formats |
Numeracy | Analyses statistical breeding data and laboratory reports Calculates percentage per proportion of sexes used, and traits passed on to progeny Analyses financial information and trends in sales |
Oral communication | Participates in verbal exchanges to convey and explain information clearly using language appropriate for the audience |
Navigate the world of work | Works independently and collectively within broad parameters taking responsibility for plans, decisions and outcomes relating to breeding stock |
Interact with others | Selects and uses appropriate communication protocols and conventions when seeking or sharing information with others |
Get the work done | Uses systematic, analytical processes to identify and solve problems and make decisions relating to stock breeding program Uses workplace digital systems and tools to access, organise and analyse information relevant to stock breeding program |
Sectors
Aquaculture (AQU)