Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to manage the nutritional requirements of horses, including all aspects of feeding plan development, implementation and monitoring, the selection and management of pasture for horses, and responses to nutritional-related disorders and specific needs.
The unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for the management of the nutritional requirements of a diverse range of performance horses. It applies to individuals working in all horse industry sectors, including training and competition centres, stud farms, agistment centres and riding schools.
No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
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. Determine the nutritional requirements of horses | 1.1 Identify credible sources of information on equine nutrition relevant to workplace needs, including scientific and technical literature, historical records and industry practice information 1.2 Analyse research findings to determine credibility, relevance and currency of information 1.3 Determine the nutritional needs of horses of various classes based on research findings relevant to workplace requirements 1.4 Apply relevant research findings to the management of workplace nutrition practices |
2. Manage ingredients for horse rations | 2.1 Determine suitable nutrients for inclusion in an equine diet according to the individual needs of each horse, availability, quality and cost 2.2 Organise laboratory testing to determine the quality and quantities of ingredients required for ration formulation according to workplace requirements 2.3 Implement safe, secure and hygienic storage of feed and ingredients 2.4 Calibrate measuring equipment and calculate quantities at regular intervals |
3. Formulate and modify effective feeding plans, rations and methods | 3.1 Develop a feeding plan to supply nutritional requirements to meet appropriate horse condition, performance and health outcomes 3.2 Formulate rations on the basis of identified nutritional requirements, digestive physiology and anatomy, and availability of feedstuffs 3.3 Implement feeding methods and techniques to support natural feeding behaviours 3.4 Adapt feeding plan to respond to variations in nutritional requirements and seasonal conditions 3.5 Apply a cost-effective approach to sourcing and supplying required nutrients 3.6 Assess and manage the environmental impacts of supplying feedstuffs |
4. Monitor and manage the feeding of horses | 4.1 Supply rations to horses according to feeding plan schedule and requirements 4.2 Ensure feeding records and feed orders are maintained, monitored and prepared according to workplace requirements 4.3 Monitor the implementation of the program using appropriate measures to ensure the goals of the feeding plan are achieved 4.4 Monitor and document reactions to changes in feed types, ingredients or schedules 4.5 Develop and implement a plan to manage documented adverse reactions to rations 4.6 Monitor, review and record the feeding plan and implement improvements and adjustments as required |
5. Evaluate health implications of feeding plans, rations and methods | 5.1 Monitor the health of horses for signs of inadequate nutrition or nutrition-related diseases 5.2 Research and implement solutions for identified nutrition-related health problems and seek veterinarian or other professional advice according to the type of problem 5.3 Implement alternative feed regimes, diets or methods to counter the effects of poor nutrition 5.4 Implement strategies to prevent the development of nutrition-related diseases |
6. Manage pasture for horses | 6.1 Identify and select pasture species on the basis of nutritional value, persistence under grazing by horses, and environmental requirements 6.2 Determine harmful effects of pasture species for various classes of horses, and develop a management strategy to ensure herd health 6.3 Identify and remove plants poisonous to horses from pastures and areas accessed by horses 6.4 Develop and implement a pasture management plan to maximise nutritional value, and minimise negative health and environmental impacts |
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 | Research, interpret and analyse key facts and information about horse nutrition and feed from a range of sources |
Writing | Prepare logically structured and sequenced feed and nutrition plans and instructions |
Numeracy | Measure and weigh products to be used in horse rations and feed programs Use mathematical concepts to calculate nutrient budgets and costs Calculate, sequence and adjust timelines in feeding schedules or plans |
Navigate the world of work | Work independently or with others, taking responsibility for making decisions to manage horse nutrition and achieve workplace outcomes Ensure knowledge of equine nutritional requirements, products and additives, including regulatory requirements, is kept up-to-date in order to provide accurate information |
Interact with others | Use industry concepts, terminology and protocols for communicating with a variety of people in managing horse nutrition |
Get the work done | Apply systematic and analytical decision-making processes for complex and non-routine situations relating to managing horse nutrition and feed requirements for the workplace |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)