Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to successfully manage all aspects of a performance horse stud. It covers assessing structural and human resource requirements, developing breeding programs, and managing operations, including caring for stallions and mares, and foaling operations.
The unit applies to individuals who have managerial responsibilities for performance horse breeding operations. They work independently within organisational guidelines, applying extensive knowledge of breeding performance horses and industry skills to achieve outcomes.
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. Apply reproductive anatomy and physiology principles to stud practice | 1.1 Assess the reproductive anatomy of stallions on a regular basis during the breeding season to inform stallion management procedures 1.2 Assess the reproductive anatomy and physiological function of mares on a regular basis during the breeding season to inform mare management procedures 1.3 Monitor and report on the behavioural characteristics of oestrous, dioestrous and anoestrous according to industry standard procedures 1.4 Monitor and report the characteristics of pregnancy according to industry standard procedures |
2. Assess stud requirements | 2.1 Develop stud breeding program goals and strategies 2.2 Assess and document stud requirements according to workplace objectives 2.3 Identify resources required to support the breeding programs 2.4 Determine the optimal stud farm layout to facilitate ease of management and meet behavioural needs of horses 2.5 Select breeding options to maximise opportunities and meet stud objectives within industry guidelines 2.6 Develop strategies for compliance with work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental legislation and guidelines 2.7 Assess, control and review risks related to stud operations to ensure a safe workplace |
3. Manage the breeding calendar of operations | 3.1 Document and communicate the calendar of operations to incorporate routine seasonal breeding practices 3.2 Identify and research potential stallions, mares and genetic material for use in the breeding operation 3.3 Develop and implement routine health management procedures 3.4 Determine appropriate breeding and horse management timelines according to annual calendar 3.5 Complete breeding documents according to workplace and industry requirements |
4. Manage conception | 4.1 Develop and implement a covering timetable for stallions 4.2 Monitor and report key milestones of conception and gestation according to industry procedures 4.3 Identify and select relevant pregnancy detection techniques suitable for use on the stud farm 4.4 Develop and implement a strategy for the timely and efficient detection of pregnancies |
5. Manage subfertility | 5.1 Identify the causes of subfertility and infertility in stallions 5.2 Develop and implement strategies to treat and minimise the impact of stallion subfertility or infertility 5.3 Identify the causes of subfertility and infertility in mares 5.4 Develop and implement management strategies to treat and minimise the impact of mare subfertility and infertility |
6. Manage foaling operations | 6.1 Implement plans to manage mares immediately prior to foaling 6.2 Oversee the foaling down of mares 6.3 Develop and implement a plan to manage foaling emergencies 6.4 Develop and implement plans for the treatment and management of neonatal illness and injury 6.5 Develop and implement post-foaling mare and foal care procedures |
7. Manage foetal loss and abortion in mares | 7.1 Identify the signs and causes of foetal loss and abortion, and develop procedures to routinely monitor mares for these conditions 7.2 Develop and implement a strategy to prevent or minimise the risk of abortion 7.3 Develop and implement a plan to respond to and manage abortion or suspected abortion 7.4 Identify mares that have aborted or are at risk of abortion, and implement industry standard management procedures |
8. Evaluate the application of assisted reproductive technologies to the performance horse industry | 8.1 Evaluate the potential benefits of assisted reproductive technologies to stud goals and operations 8.2 Evaluate the costs and implications of assisted reproductive technologies against stud goals and objectives |
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 | Extract and interpret technical information relating to horse breeding from a range of sources |
Writing | Prepare written breeding programs and schedules using clear language, accurate industry terminology and logical structure |
Numeracy | Calculate fees and operational costs Calculate, sequence and adjust timelines in breeding schedules or plans |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with regulatory requirements including work health and safety and animal welfare within own role and area of work Comply with safe, ethical and humane horse handling industry practices Ensure knowledge of performance horse breeding requirements is kept up-to-date in order to provide accurate information |
Interact with others | Use accurate industry terminology, concepts and protocols for communicating with a variety of people in managing performance horse breeding operations |
Get the work done | Organise and plan breeding programs and schedules for multiple horses; monitoring actions against stated goals and adjusting plans and resources in response to changing conditions |
Sectors
Performance horse (PHR)