Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:14 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Conduct dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle

Conduct dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK335
State Code
BAP62
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and conduct Dropped Ovary Technique (DOT) procedures for controlling fertility in females in extensive beef herds, where alternative options for the management of cull heifers and cows, other than spaying, have been evaluated but deemed unsuitable or unavailable. This unit applies to cattle producers and contractors in the livestock industry who normally operate under limited supervision. It is essential that candidates who undertake this unit have at least one year’s prior experience working with cattle.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes or practice and sustainability practices.This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts.All units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.Candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit. Regulations in some States and Territories restrict the conduct of the DOT procedure to registered veterinarians. There is a direct link between this unit of competency and approval for lay operators to perform the DOT procedure in some State/Territory jurisdictions.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct pre-DOT evaluations
  • 1.1 Identify and comply with relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations, codes of practice and animal welfare standards and guidelines
  • 1.2 Discuss alternatives to ovariectomy (spaying) with cattle manager and carefully consider them prior to undertaking DOT procedure
  • 1.3 Confirm pre-operative evaluation of cattle submitted for ovary dropping with cattle manager
  • 1.4 Identify and discuss risks associated with DOT procedure with cattle manager
2. Prepare for DOT operations
  • 2.1 Monitor weather conditions to determine optimal conditions for operation
  • 2.2 Select time of day for operation to minimise animal stress
  • 2.3 Engage adequate numbers of skilled workers
  • 2.4 Select appropriate holding yards, forcing yards, race and settling yards
  • 2.5 Follow low-stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures
  • 2.6 Allow cattle to settle and cool after yarding
3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment
  • 3.1 Ensure all equipment is well-maintained and in a clean and hygienic condition to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
  • 3.2 Ensure cattle crush used for procedure is maintained in good working order and operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator and animal, especially when loading and unloading
  • 3.3 Prepare wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers and position ready for use
  • 3.4 Prepare disinfectant solution in accordance with the label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) directions
  • 3.5 Sharpen ovariotome regularly and disinfect before use and between each procedure
  • 3.6 Clean and disinfect all equipment at the end of operations and store appropriately to minimise contamination
4. Conduct DOT procedures
  • 4.1 Conduct all procedures in accordance with animal welfare requirements, biosecurity requirements and work health and safety standards
  • 4.2 Maintain a high standard of hygiene throughout the procedures in relation to facilities, hands, handling and equipment
  • 4.3 Handle cattle quietly in the holding yards, forcing yards and race so that they are relatively calm when they reach the crush
  • 4.4 Identify common DOT procedural impediments and plan remedial actions
  • 4.5 Provide pain management in accordance with legislative requirements
  • 4.6 Perform DOT procedures in accordance with industry best practice standards and processing rates
  • 4.7 Apply identification earmarks or ear tags to cattle upon completion of procedures, in accordance with relevant State/Territory legislative requirements
  • 4.8 Release and allow ovariectomised animals to settle on to feed and water in the settling yards for several hours, before moving them quietly to pasture
5. Carry out post DOT procedures
  • 5.1 Record the identity of the cattle and date of the procedure, with details of significant observations where required
  • 5.2 Inspect cattle regularly and with minimal disturbance for signs of post-operative complications during the healing process and take appropriate action where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG539 AHCLSK335A Conduct dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODU55 AHCLSK338 Conduct dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BCW6 AHC30116 Certificate III in Agriculture Qualification