Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan mating and breeding, parturition or hatching and weaning of animals under supervision.
The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources. The unit can be contextualised to be species-specific.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Select animals for breeding | 1.1 Identify the basic principles of genetics related to breeding program requirements 1.2 Identify breeding program requirements and clarify with supervisor 1.3 Select animals for mating according to the breeding program 1.4 Schedule examinations and tests, as required, to confirm suitability of selected animals with breeding program 1.5 Monitor individual animals to determine the current stage of their reproductive cycle 1.6 Identify WHS hazards associated with working with animals, assess the risks and implement control measures in case of emergency 1.7 Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment |
2. Implement breeding procedures | 2.1 Place animals selected for mating in an appropriate environment 2.2 Apply appropriate breeding systems according to the breeding program 2.3 Apply appropriate mating methods according to the breeding program 2.4 Monitor animals during and after the mating period to determine success of mating |
3. Monitor post-mating progress | 3.1 Observe and document changes in behaviour and condition, where appropriate, in breeding females to determine possible pregnancy 3.2 Schedule examinations and tests, if appropriate, to determine pregnancy 3.3 Estimate and document hatching or parturition dates |
4. Prepare for and assist with birth or hatching | 4.1 Provide a suitable environment to assist with the birth or hatching 4.2 Identify signs of hatching or parturition and report potential problems to supervisor 4.3 Provide appropriate monitoring to ensure the safe birth or hatching of young animals 4.4 Identify sex and measure offspring and document results 4.5 Monitor mother and offspring to ensure appropriate bonding, feeding and activity behaviours, and report problems to supervisor |
5. Wean animals | 5.1 Modify offspring diets in preparation for weaning 5.2 Schedule vaccinations, other medications and permanent identification protocols as required 5.3 Select and implement suitable weaning process according to workplace protocols 5.4 Carry out post-weaning management according to the breeding program 5.5 Update breeding records |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Seek information from written material about breeding systems and mating methods to apply to own work |
Writing | Keep accurate records of schedules for vaccinations, other medications and requirements for permanent identification markers Use industry specific terminology to document and update breeding records |
Numeracy | Compare information and data within written texts, including weights and other measurements |
Get the work done | Identify and prioritise tasks and carry out routine problem solving when tasks do not go to plan |
Sectors
General Animal Studies (GAS)