Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

Which animals may be included in this context?
Animals may include dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, rats, mice and guinea pigs.

What information may be considered when assessing breeding requirements?
Relevant information may include an assessment of the organisation's breeding and production records to identify public demand for species or breeds.

Which resources may be arranged?
Resources may include human resources, facilities and equipment including recording systems, personal protective equipment (PPE) and monitoring technology for breeding, weighing and testing equipment.

What range of breeding options may be considered?
Breeding options may include consideration of natural mating or artificial breeding, introduction of new bloodlines, retiring breeding animals, dominant or recessive mode of inheritance and genetic testing.

What information may be included in breeding programs?
Breeding programs are likely to include information about number of breeders required, selection criteria for breeders, production rates, weaning rates, the record-keeping system to be used (e.g. cards, computer, closed rings, microchipping or tattooing) and the data to be collected including births, weaned animals and sex ratio.

Which breeding systems may be applied?
Breeding systems may include line breeding and controlled out-crossing.

Which mating methods may be applied?
Mating methods may include paired mating, the harem system and stud mating.

What sort of environment is suitable for breeding?
The appropriate environment for breeding may depend on the species involved and the specific requirements of the breeding program including temperature, humidity, day or night cycle, seasonal effects and special dietary requirements.

What OHS requirements may be relevant?
Safe-handling systems and procedures may include identifying hazards, assessing and reporting risks, the safe handling of husbandry equipment, the appropriate use of PPE and the safe disposal of waste.

Which industry standards may apply?
Codes of practice and ethics, breeding registers and reporting requirements.

Which legislative requirements may apply?
Legislative requirements may include animal welfare and ethics legislation, OHS legislation, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council codes of practice, companion animal legislation, state or territory legislation and codes of practice, and local council regulations.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

identify breeding requirements
select suitable animals for breeding programs
develop breeding programs
establish appropriate mating systems and methods
monitor breeding activities
evaluate program outcomes.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include:

mating requirements of species or breeds
mating systems and methods
relevant legislative requirements
record-keeping requirements.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include:

ability to operate breeding equipment
ability to develop and monitor breeding programs
ability to apply appropriate breeding systems and mating methods according to species or breed
ability to dispose of waste according to adequate health and safety requirements
ability to maintain accurate records
literacy skills to read, select and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS and infection control procedures; and record details and information accurately and legibly
interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening and asking for clarification
numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations and measure volumes
problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
a range of species and breeds
breeding equipment
breeding programs
waste disposal procedures
records systems.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a companion animal workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By explaining breeding procedures to people involved in the implementation of breeding programs. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By establishing public demand for species or breeds and developing breeding programs accordingly. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Through scheduling mating activities to meet the requirements of breeding programs. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By applying effective methods and procedures, including advice from external sources, to achieve the objectives of breeding programs. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By applying estimation techniques to determine the likelihood of successful outcomes of breeding programs. (3)

Solving problems
By making adjustments to program resources or timetables when observing problems with mating or animal husbandry. (3)

Using technology
By using the organisation's information systems to record breeding data. (3)