Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What animals are covered by this unit?
Animals covered by this unit include beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats, horses and pigs.

What hygiene factors need to be considered?
Sterile equipment and clean work sites are essential to the insemination process. Cleaning of yard/seminal extraction area.

What personal protective equipment and clothing might be used?
Boots, overalls, gloves, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What OHS requirements are relevant to this standard?
Safe livestock handling systems and procedures including zoonoses control (Q Fever), identify hazards, assess and report risks, safe manual handling (including lifting) systems and procedures. Safe systems and procedures for the application and storage of hazardous substances (drenches, vaccines), and the handling of veterinary equipment (syringes, needles, vaccines). Safe systems and procedures for outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

What insemination equipment might need to be sterile and clean?
Harnesses and restraints, gloves, pipettes.

How might the intended recipient be correctly identified?
Stud records, papers, fixed identification (markings, colour, brands).

What waste might there be?
Disposable equipment such as single use rubber gloves, pipettes, straws.

What designated areas might animals be returned to?
Boxes, stables, paddocks, yards, pens.

What animals are covered by this unit?
Animals covered by this unit include beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats, horses and pigs.

What hygiene factors need to be considered?
Sterile equipment and clean work sites are essential to the insemination process. Cleaning of yard/seminal extraction area.

What personal protective equipment and clothing might be used?
Boots, overalls, gloves, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What OHS requirements are relevant to this standard?
Safe livestock handling systems and procedures including zoonoses control (Q Fever), identify hazards, assess and report risks, safe manual handling (including lifting) systems and procedures. Safe systems and procedures for the application and storage of hazardous substances (drenches, vaccines), and the handling of veterinary equipment (syringes, needles, vaccines). Safe systems and procedures for outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

What insemination equipment might need to be sterile and clean?
Harnesses and restraints, gloves, pipettes.

How might the intended recipient be correctly identified?
Stud records, papers, fixed identification (markings, colour, brands).

What waste might there be?
Disposable equipment such as single use rubber gloves, pipettes, straws.

What designated areas might animals be returned to?
Boxes, stables, paddocks, yards, pens.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in assisting with artificial insemination procedures requires evidence of the ability to prepare animals and equipment for artificial insemination procedures, including the ability to handle animals humanely and safely, and to clean up work areas, equipment and record data.
The skills and knowledge required to assist with artificial insemination procedures must be transferable to another rural workplace. For example, this could include different enterprise policies and standard operating procedures.
What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

safely and humanely handle livestock
sterilise equipment and prepare hygienic work site prior to insemination procedures
identify and record animals on heat
keenly observe animals and insemination processes
employ safe work practices
clean up worksite and safely dispose of waste
communicate effectively with other team members, veterinarians and/or licensed inseminators.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

safely and humanely handle livestock
sterilise equipment and prepare hygienic work site prior to insemination procedures
identify and record animals on heat
keenly observe animals and insemination processes
employ safe work practices
clean up worksite and safely dispose of waste
communicate effectively with other team members, veterinarians and/or licensed inseminators.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

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 competency standard. 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
Livestock behaviour (such as oestrus cycles/ovulation) may be observed and accurately reported for correct action to occur. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
Livestock behaviour (such as oestrus cycles/ovulation) may be observed and accurately reported for correct action to occur. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Details of livestock behaviour may be observed and monitored for analysis and organised by records and reports. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Details of livestock behaviour may be observed and monitored for analysis and organised by records and reports. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Assistance for artificial insemination may be planned and organised around enterprise routines. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Assistance for artificial insemination may be planned and organised around enterprise routines. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In methods and procedures to assist with identification. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In methods and procedures to assist with identification. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Solving problems
Insemination procedures may require remedial action to ensure correct semen is identified/collected and to avoid any complications at the time of insemination. (1)

Solving problems
Insemination procedures may require remedial action to ensure correct semen is identified/collected and to avoid any complications at the time of insemination. (1)

Using technology
To communicate, calculate and record data relating to animal identification and insemination. (1)

Using technology
To communicate, calculate and record data relating to animal identification and insemination. (1)