Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out regular livestock observation.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They identify and provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems.
In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to work with livestock | 1.1 Discuss work to be undertaken with supervisor and seek clarification where necessary 1.2 Discuss tasks with other workers who may be affected to ensure continued smooth operation of the process 1.3 Select and check tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken and maintain if necessary 1.4 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment in line with work health and safety policies 1.5 Identify hazards and report to supervisor |
2. Carry out livestock checks | 2.1 Check livestock for signs of illness, injuries and abnormalities and report to supervisor 2.2 Use safe handling techniques while handling livestock 2.3 Carry out all husbandry and handling activities in line with enterprise animal welfare policies |
3. Deal with livestock emergencies | 3.1 Follow enterprise biosecurity policies where required 3.2 Recognise common signs of livestock injury or life threatening conditions and report to supervisor 3.3 Use basic emergency and livestock first aid procedures until professional help arrives 3.4 Report serious cuts and abrasions to livestock to the supervisor or veterinarian |
4. Provide veterinary procedure support | 4.1 Treat cuts, abrasions and bruises under instruction from the veterinarian or supervisor 4.2 Examine animals for signs of distress, injury, illness and abnormal behaviours after completing procedures and report to supervisor 4.3 Apply appropriate treatment as instructed by a supervisor or veterinarian |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify hazards and follow safe operating procedures
check livestock regularly
handle livestock safely and humanely
identify signs of ill health, injury and abnormality
identify symptoms of ill health or injury
deal efficiently and calmly with livestock emergencies
complete basic livestock first aid procedures
record and report serious issues or injuries.
follow enterprise work health and safety policies
follow enterprise animal welfare policies
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
range of ailments that may occur or affect livestock
application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision
behaviour of the relevant species
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
organisations livestock production and management plans
relevant work health and safety legislative requirements
relevant animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the work place or workplace and simulated environments that accurately reflect performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Livestock (LSK)