Elements and Performance Criteria
- Assess the nutritional requirements of individual horses
- Analyse the main nutritional requirements of specific horses and the role each nutrient plays in the body
- Describe the symptoms or signs of nutrient deficiency and the consequences of dietary imbalances
- Determine horse nutritional requirements in terms of horse class, condition, growth stage and reproduction status
- Calculate feed requirements for horses using a range of measures
- Analyse and calculate the value and composition of feed and pastures
- Determine a range of food types and supplements suitable for horses of different class, condition, growth stage and reproduction status
- Analyse the breakdown of foodstuffs in terms of their nutritional content and describe why they might be included in a ration
- Analyse the nutritional value of common pasture species and weeds and seasonal changes in availability, digestibility and nutritional value
- Calculate the impact of plant poisonings and chemical control as a result of spraying for weeds
- Address the impact of contaminants and additives on drug testing and rules relevant to equine disciplines
- Plan feed programs for the workplace and design feed charts for the horse
- Determine availability of feed and pastures on a seasonal basis and analyse in relation to the nutritional needs of the horse with regard to class, condition and use
- Design and maintain a feeding program for the workplace, including the supervision of other staff as appropriate
- Design feed charts for each horse, including the formulation of rations to reflect the requirements of the horse
- Design a feed program that is cost-effective
- Evaluate and adjust nutritional value and cost-effectiveness of the feeding program based on evaluation outcomes