Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify nutritional requirements of animals
- Classify animals according to natural nutrient sources and types of digestive systems
- Align normal feeding behaviours and nutritional requirements of a range of animals
- Evaluate feeding strategies and methods to maximise activity and behavioural enrichment
- Identify characteristics of under- or over-supply of nutrients, and evaluate methods used to monitor nutritional uptake
- Evaluate food sources and calculate dietary requirements
- Classify foodstuffs according to nutrient content
- Evaluate foodstuffs for shelf life, preparation requirements, availability and cost
- Identify hazards to animal and human health from food sources, and implement procedures to manage risks
- Calculate feed weight and water requirements, based on animal profile
- Calculate protein, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral supplement and fibre needs, based on animal profile
- Identify other dietary issues relevant to the animal's profile, and factor into dietary calculations
- Prepare and document diet plans after supervisor approval and according to the organisation’s policies and procedures
- Prepare diets and provide food and water
- Monitor feeding and watering practices
- Monitor and record food and water consumption according to the organisation’s policies and procedures
- Identify and report abnormal feed intake or feeding behaviour according to the organisation’s policies and procedures
- Monitor animals for condition, metabolic and behavioural changes
- Evaluate reasons for poor response to diet and seek specialist advice
- Determine required dietary changes in consultation with supervisor
- Document dietary variations and update records as required