Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to muster and move livestock as part of a team.
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 for muster | 1.1 Identify mustering requirements and confirm with supervisor 1.2 Arrange transport requirements and check and confirm for operation 1.3 Identify and access additional information relevant to livestock movements 1.4 Identify hazards and safety concerns and report to the supervisor 1.5 Select and use personal protective equipment |
2. Carry out muster | 2.1 Locate livestock identified in the muster plan and aggregate in preparation for movement 2.2 Carry out muster processes in line with enterprise animal welfare policies |
3. Move livestock | 3.1 Carry out livestock movement with minimal stress to livestock and without damage to person, property or environment 3.2 Monitor and maintain livestock welfare during movement with adequate provision of rest, water and feeding points 3.3 Confine and pasture livestock at destination 3.4 Count and record numbers of livestock 3.5 Follow enterprise biosecurity policies where required |
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 work procedures
read and interpret muster plans and maps
prepare equipment and working dogs (when used) for handling livestock
implement directions for mustering
monitor livestock behaviour and recognise abnormalities
muster and move livestock along prepared routes in a calm and controlled manner
handle livestock safely and humanely, monitor welfare of mustered stock
monitor and minimise impacts to the environment
communicate effectively with the muster team
calculate livestock numbers and assess and calculate feed and water requirements
follow relevant work health and safety requirements
follow relevant biosecurity requirements where required
follow relevant animal welfare practices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
mustering and movement methods and techniques
livestock basic health and nutritional requirements
livestock herding/flocking behaviour
environmental codes of practice with regard to livestock production
working dogs uses and techniques (where appropriate)
legislative requirements for stock movement along public roads
environmental impacts and procedures for livestock movements and musters
relevant work health and safety requirements
relevant animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects 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)