Elements and Performance Criteria

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

Where might organisation work procedures be found for the work to be undertaken?
Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, work notes, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What methods may be used to identify mares?
Methods such as neck chains, lip tattoos, hoof brands and tattoos, and other brands.

How might mares be restrained?
Using restraints such as a mating crush, headstalls or halters, and a rearing bit.

What might oestrus identification methods include?
It may include follicle scans and the use of teasers.
Follicle testing must be performed once on the first cycle, and then every second day, and might use either manual techniques or scanning equipment.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures:
calm and positive actions at all times when handling horses thus minimising the risk of kicks or bites from frightened or escaping animals
manual handling codes of practice should be strictly observed
awareness of the constant workplace hazard of kicks, bites and crushing from horses
safe working practices including the need to communicate proposed actions with horses to all personnel in close proximity to avoid accidents
all procedures must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and the relevant codes of practice.

What preparation procedures will stud policy dictate?
Ovulation detection procedures, separate mating of wet and dry mares, the use of teasers, the use of hormones, caslick of mares, and the practice for dealing with returns to service.
Policy might also specify procedures immediately prior to the mating itself, such as washing of the genital area, bacteriological examination by the veterinarian, application of serving hobbles/serving boots, fitting neck protectors, tail bandaging, or twitch.

What relevant information might be recorded and reported, and how might it be documented?
Dates, times and periods of observations, testing and servicing, chemicals and other substances used, including quantities and methods, and readings from temperature gauges.
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What routine reproductive procedures may be undertaken?
Rectal palpation, ultrasound scanning, uterine infusion, pregnancy diagnosis, and other routine reproductive procedures.

When and how is pregnancy testing performed?
It is performed manually at 36-40 days, using blood tests and ultrasound at 14 days after service.

What identification and breeding records may be kept?
Details may be kept on mares on arrival, mares prior to service, stallion at service, details of foal at birth, veterinary treatment, follow up treatment required, teasing records for mares.

Where might organisation work procedures be found for the work to be undertaken?
Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, work notes, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What methods may be used to identify mares?
Methods such as neck chains, lip tattoos, hoof brands and tattoos, and other brands.

How might mares be restrained?
Using restraints such as a mating crush, headstalls or halters, and a rearing bit.

What might oestrus identification methods include?
It may include follicle scans and the use of teasers.
Follicle testing must be performed once on the first cycle, and then every second day, and might use either manual techniques or scanning equipment.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures:
calm and positive actions at all times when handling horses thus minimising the risk of kicks or bites from frightened or escaping animals
manual handling codes of practice should be strictly observed
awareness of the constant workplace hazard of kicks, bites and crushing from horses
safe working practices including the need to communicate proposed actions with horses to all personnel in close proximity to avoid accidents
all procedures must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and the relevant codes of practice.

What preparation procedures will stud policy dictate?
Ovulation detection procedures, separate mating of wet and dry mares, the use of teasers, the use of hormones, caslick of mares, and the practice for dealing with returns to service.
Policy might also specify procedures immediately prior to the mating itself, such as washing of the genital area, bacteriological examination by the veterinarian, application of serving hobbles/serving boots, fitting neck protectors, tail bandaging, or twitch.

What relevant information might be recorded and reported, and how might it be documented?
Dates, times and periods of observations, testing and servicing, chemicals and other substances used, including quantities and methods, and readings from temperature gauges.
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What routine reproductive procedures may be undertaken?
Rectal palpation, ultrasound scanning, uterine infusion, pregnancy diagnosis, and other routine reproductive procedures.

When and how is pregnancy testing performed?
It is performed manually at 36-40 days, using blood tests and ultrasound at 14 days after service.

What identification and breeding records may be kept?
Details may be kept on mares on arrival, mares prior to service, stallion at service, details of foal at birth, veterinary treatment, follow up treatment required, teasing records for mares.

Competence in carrying out mare mating procedures requires evidence of the ability to detect oestrus cycles, supervise pregnancy and attend mare, together with support for the mare during pregnancy testing.
The skills and knowledge required to carry out mare mating procedures must be transferable to another rural workplace. For example, across a range of breeds and for both natural and assisted mating procedures.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

oestrus cycle in mares and dioestrus behaviour
anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive systems in horses
conception and gestation in the mare
basic reasons for infertility in mares and what may be treated by veterinarians
nutritional requirements of mares prior to and post- mating
appropriate handling restraints
mare identification methods
stud record keeping procedures
mare handling procedures
requirements of veterinarians in carrying out pregnancy testing
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS, and the use and control of machinery and equipment
organisation recording and reporting 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:

use appropriate oestrus detection methods
supervise serving of mares and assist as appropriate
recognise disease, health or injury
humanely and safely handle broodmares
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents.

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 knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

oestrus cycle in mares and dioestrus behaviour
anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive systems in horses
conception and gestation in the mare
basic reasons for infertility in mares and what may be treated by veterinarians
nutritional requirements of mares prior to and post- mating
appropriate handling restraints
mare identification methods
stud record keeping procedures
mare handling procedures
requirements of veterinarians in carrying out pregnancy testing
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS, and the use and control of machinery and equipment
organisation recording and reporting 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:

use appropriate oestrus detection methods
supervise serving of mares and assist as appropriate
recognise disease, health or injury
humanely and safely handle broodmares
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents.

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
Communicating with the stud network and veterinarians as required. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
Communicating with the stud network and veterinarians as required. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collecting, analysing and organising information on service and mare breeding. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collecting, analysing and organising information on service and mare breeding. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By arranging activities for natural and artificial matings. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By arranging activities for natural and artificial matings. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Working with others to complete efficient mating programs. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Working with others to complete efficient mating programs. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating breeding cycles and gestation periods. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating breeding cycles and gestation periods. (2)

Solving problems
When dealing with poor conception or difficult matings. (2)

Solving problems
When dealing with poor conception or difficult matings. (2)

Using technology
When facilitating pregnancy testing procedures. (2)

Using technology
When facilitating pregnancy testing procedures. (2)