Elements and Performance Criteria

Range of Variables
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
What information may be included in the breeding program?
The breeding program is likely to include information about number of breeders required; selection criteria for breeders; record system to be used including cards, computer, closed rings, microchipping and tattooing; data to be collected about production rates (e.g. numbers born and sex ratio) and weaning rates.
What OHS requirements are relevant to this unit?
Safe handling systems and procedures may include identifying hazards and assessing and reporting risks.
What are the animal welfarerequirements?
Animal welfare requirements may include local, state and federal legislation; animal care and animal ethics; duty of care; and animal hygiene.
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. This could include temperature, humidity, day or night cycle and seasonal effects.
What 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 signs of hatching or birthing might be observed?
Signs might include evidence of breaking through shell; territorial behaviour; change in appearance of egg colour; labour and preparation for birth including nest making, laboured breathing, pushing, milk let down and vaginal discharge.
What is involved in post-weaning management?
Post-weaning management may include supplementary feeding, selection of future breeding animals, health, immunisation and recording observations.
What information should be included in breeding records?
Breeding records may include date of birth; numbers born, stillborn, missing or found dead; sexes born; number weaned; growth weight; and strain and genotype information.

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:
monitor and observe animals and report on breeding cycle
identify risks related to OHS and animal welfare
implement mating methods in accordance with breeding program
apply post-mating procedures
keep accurate records.

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:listed below and include:
breed or species' /breed breeding program requirements
anatomy and physiology of species and breeds in the breeding program
mating behaviour of species concerned
monitoring and observation including identification of abnormalities
breeding systems and methods
post-weaning procedures
organisational record keepingrecord-keeping requirements.


What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills are:skills include:
ability to identify sex, age and reproductive status of male and female animals
ability to implementation of breeding programs
ability to operate breeding equipment
ability to care for neonates and juveniles
ability to monitor and observe abnormalities
ability to applypplication of post-weaning husbandry
ability to dispose of waste according to health regulationsadequate health and safety standards
ability to keep records
record keeping
literacy skills to read and follow OHS and waste management procedures and other organisational policies and procedures; select and apply the procedures to perform a range of defined tasks; follow sequenced written instructions; and record accurately and legibly the information collectedLiteracy skills to read and follow OHS and waste management procedures, other organisational policies and procedures; ability to select and apply the procedures to perform a range of tasks; follow treatment instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected.
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification and consulting with supervisorOral communication skills (language competence) required to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation. Skills include questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification and consulting with supervisor.
nNumeracy skills required to to complete arithmetic calculations
interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgroundsInterpersonal skills required include working with others, and an ability to relate to persons from differing cultural, social and religious backgrounds.
problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks.Problem solving skills required include an ability to use available resources and to prioritise daily tasks


What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one must have opportunities to participate in a range of exercises, case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to participate in carrying out companion animal breeding procedures. They One must also have access to the resources listed below:below that include:
an appropriate workplace or an environment whichenvironment that reproduces normal workingwork conditions
access to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
a range of species and breeds
breeding program
breeding equipment including artificial insemination
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 carry out companion animal breeding procedures must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events. For example, tThis could include work within kennels, catteries or breeding establishments.

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 breeding workplace or in a situation whichsituation that reproduces normal workingwork conditions.
There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and/orand / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.




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.
1. How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?
By maintaining breeding records.
2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?
By observing animal behaviour to assess readiness for mating and by collecting and analysing breeding data to determine breeding problems.
3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?
Through scheduling mating activities to meet requirements of the breeding program.
4. How can teamwork (1) be applied?
By contributing to the production of offspring for the organisationenterprise's purpose in a co-ordinated way.
5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?
By apportioning the feed requirements of different animals and species.
6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?
By observing and reporting problems with mating. and animals with problems at birth.
7. How can the use of technology (2) be applied?
By recording breeding data using the organisation'senterprises information systems.




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.