Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

How might the
This may depend on the breed, weight and condition of the animals, stage of pregnancy, lactation requirements, and season/climactic conditions.

What
Animals covered by this unit of competency include cows and heifers (beef and dairy cattle), ewes (sheep), does (goats), hembras (alpaca), sows (pigs) and mares (horses).

What might be included in a
Target weights, amount and type of feed and feed supplements, feeding frequency and rates, feeding methods and procedures, weed control strategy, supervisors instructions, reporting and recording requirements.

What range of
Hay, grain, predetermined rations, trace elements, vitamins and sources of nutrients including silage, paddock feed, grain legumes, mineral blocks, protein meals, calcium and other nutrient supplements, and specific purpose feeds.

What
Paddock conditions including availability, quality and quantity of water and feed supplies, and weather conditions.

What
The accurate measurement of feed quantities, the use of precise measurement devices and apparatus, and the accurate determination of animal feed requirements.

What
Standard operating procedures (SOPs), industry standards, production schedules, work notes, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), OHS procedures, supervisors oral or written instructions, and work and feeding plans.

What
Identify hazards, assess and report risks. Safe systems and procedures for animal handling including zoonoses control (Q Fever, leptospirosis), handling and storage of grain and feed to reduce risk associated with organic and other dusts, application and storage of hazardous substances (drenches, vaccines, baits), outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, protection from dust, and the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment, firearms handling and storage, and manual handling.

What existing and potential
Animal movement and handling, solar radiation, organic and other dusts, excessive noise, hazardous substances (veterinary chemicals, poisons), moving machinery and unsafe firearms handling and storage.

What feeding abnormalities may be observed?
This may include the general observation of sick animals, shy feeders, weight loss, scouring, greedy (bossy) feeders and ill thrift.

Negative environmental impacts may result from the unsafe use and disposal of poisons and veterinarian chemicals (vaccinations, drenching, blowfly control), and any consequent residual chemicals. Impacts may also result from high concentrations of animals, particularly in holding or confined areas, causing increased run-off flows and/or wind erosion, loss of ground cover, soil disturbance, pugging, dust problems, weed seeds in animal manure, contamination of ground and surface water supplies, and odours.

What factors may be considered when assessing the condition and
Weather protection (wind, rain, snow, heat) and the availability of feed and water supplies. Other factors may include the provision of "lamb/kid proof" water troughs, paddocks that are suitable to the size of herd/flock, adequate shelter and housing, and safe fencing and yards.

What
Maintenance repairs to fencing, yards, shelter and housing.

Dogs (domestic and wild), dingoes, feral cats and wild pigs.

What
Shooting, trapping, poisoning, fencing, spot or neon lighting, and guard dogs. Safety considerations may include the minimisation of risk and danger to non-predatory animals, livestock, humans and the environment including the safe laying of traps, secure fencing, and the safe use of firearms and poisons.

What
Control of Use Acts, OHS Acts and codes of practice regarding hazardous substances and application equipment, Poisons Schedule, Protection of the Environment Act, State/Territory Firearms Acts and Regulations, and State/Territory Animal Welfare Acts and Regulations.

What may be involved in
Does and ewes are crutched or shorn prior to birthing.

What
Vaccinations, drenching, and for sheep blowfly control, adjust diet to prevent constipation in sows.

What type of
Emergency procedures in the event of adverse weather conditions, birthing difficulties requiring veterinarian assistance, and staffing and resource deficiencies, moving into farrowing or birthing facilities several days prior to due date.

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.
What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this unit as a whole?
Competence in preparing animals for parturition requires evidence of the ability to provide nutritional and environmental requirements adequate to maintain the health and welfare of pregnant animals through to birthing. It involves the ability to assess animals' health status and provide feed and feed supplements accordingly, handle animals, maintain a secure and safe environment, carry out animal husbandry procedures including preventative health treatments, recognise and report abnormalities and maintain records. Evidence must also be demonstrated in the safe use of firearms, and the employment of positive environmental and safe workplace practices associated with animal production. The skills and knowledge required must be

What processes should be applied to 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.
How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?
Information and ideas with regard to animal gestation, nutrition and preventative health treatments may be discussed with feed suppliers, veterinarians and the supervisor.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?
Information with regard to the implementation of the feeding plan may be observed and monitored for analysis and organised by records and reports.
How are activities planned and organised (2)?
Activities involving repairs and maintenance to the animal's environment may be planned and coordinated around animal feeding schedules or sequenced as required
How can team work (2) be applied?
Team work may be applied in methods and procedures to handle animals to administer preventative health treatments.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
Mathematics may be applied in the calculation and measurement of feed and feed supplements, and the measurement of preventative health treatments. Estimating due date of birth from the date of joining.
How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?
Contingencies for adverse weather conditions may be planned and prepared to minimise disruption to feeding schedules.
How can the use of technology (1) be applied?
To access information, assist in the development of a feeding plan, record information, communicate and inform on the feeding process, and monitor substantial weather changes.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.
There is essential information about