Elements and Performance Criteria
- Apply reproductive anatomy and physiology principles to stud practice
- Assess the reproductive anatomy of stallions on a regular basis during the breeding season to inform stallion management procedures
- Assess the reproductive anatomy and physiological function of mares on a regular basis during the breeding season to inform mare management procedures
- Monitor and report on the behavioural characteristics of oestrous, dioestrous and anoestrous according to industry standard procedures
- Monitor and report the characteristics of pregnancy according to industry standard procedures.
- Assess stud requirements
- Develop stud breeding program goals and strategies
- Assess and document stud requirements according to enterprise objectives
- Identify resources required to support the breeding programs
- Determine the optimal stud farm layout to facilitate ease of management and meet behavioural needs of horses
- Select breeding options to maximize opportunities and meet stud objectives within industry guidelines
- Develop strategies for compliance with work health safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental legislation and guidelines
- Manage the breeding calendar of operations
- Document and communicate the calendar of operations to incorporate routine seasonal breeding practices
- Identify and research potential stallions, mares and genetic material for use in the breeding operation
- Develop and implement routine health management procedures
- Determine appropriate breeding and horse management timelines in accordance with annual calendar
- Complete breeding documents in accordance with enterprise and industry requirements
- Manage conception
- Develop and implement a covering timetable for stallions
- Monitor and report key milestones of conception and gestation are according to industry procedures
- Identify and select relevant pregnancy detection techniques suitable for use on the stud farm
- Develop and implement a strategy for the timely and efficient detection of pregnancies
- Manage subfertility
- Identify the causes of subfertility and infertility in stallions
- Develop and implement strategies to treat and minimise the impact of stallion subfertility or infertility
- Identify the causes of subfertility and infertility in mares
- Develop and implement management strategies to treat and minimise the impact of mare subfertility and infertility
- Manage foaling operations
- Implement plans to manage mares immediately prior to foaling
- Oversee the foaling down of mares
- Develop and implement a plan to manage foaling emergencies
- Develop and implement plans for the treatment and management of neonatal illness and injury
- Develop and implement post foaling mare and foal care procedures
- Manage foetal loss and abortion in mares
- Identify the signs and causes of foetal loss and abortion, and develop procedures to routinely monitor mares for these conditions
- Develop and implement a strategy to prevent or minimise the risk of abortion
- Develop and implement a plan to respond and manage abortion or suspected abortion
- Identify mares that have aborted or at risk of abortion and implement industry standard management procedures
- Evaluate the application of assisted reproductive technologies to the performance horse industry