Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:25 PM AWST

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Castrate livestock

Castrate livestock

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK325A
State Code
D6970
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/01/2012
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
16/01/2012
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit covers the process of castrating young animals and describes the standard required to: handle animals humanely in line with animal welfare codes of practice; perform a recommended method of castration with attention to hygiene; administer pre or post operative treatments; monitor castrated animals.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for animal castration
  • 1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program where necessary, and confirmed with management.
  • 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. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented.
  • 1.4. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used, and maintained.
  • 1.5. Castration area is hygienically cleaned to minimise the risk of infection.
  • 1.6. Equipment, instruments and resources needed for castration operations are selected and assembled.
  • 1.7. Male animals are separated as required to facilitate ease of handling and to minimise stress.
2. Castrate animals
  • 2.1. Individual animals are selected, caught and humanely restrained using industry standard techniques.
  • 2.2. Animals are checked for health and soundness according to organisation guidelines.
  • 2.3. Restrained animals are castrated in a humane and hygienic manner according to organisational guidelines, industry standards, and the code of animal welfare.
  • 2.4. Records are completed as instructed by organisational guidelines.
3. Complete hygiene and administration activities
  • 3.1. All debris, waste material and animal residues are removed from the site and disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to organisation work procedures.
  • 3.2. Instruments and equipment are hygienically 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 documented or reported to the supervisor according to organisation work procedures.
4. Monitor castrates
  • 4.1. Animals are monitored to identify post-castration complications.
  • 4.2. Animals exhibiting signs of ill health or infection are identified and treated.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Animals may include:
cattle
sheep
alpacas
goats
pigs.
Castration methods include:
surgical, elastrators and/or emasculators.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 animals humanely in line with animal welfare codes of practice
perform a recommended method of castration with attention to hygiene
administer pre or post operative treatments
monitor castrated animals.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3433 RTE2127A Castrate livestock Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAO42 AHCLSK325 Castrate livestock Unit of competency