This unit applies to workers in livestock enterprises working independently within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for muster

1.1. Mustering requirements are identified and confirmed.

1.2. Transport requirements are arranged and checked and confirmed for operation.

1.3. Additional information relevant to livestock movements is identified and accessed.

1.4. Potential and existing hazards to health and safety are identified and safety concerns reported to the supervisor.

2. Carry out muster

2.1. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

2.2. Livestock identified in the muster plan are located and aggregated in preparation for movement.

2.3. Muster processes are conducted according to enterprise requirements.

3. Move livestock

3.1. Livestock movement is conducted with minimal stress to livestock and without damage to person, property or environment.

3.2. Livestock welfare is monitored and maintained during movement with adequate provision of rest, water and feeding points.

3.3. Livestock are confined and pastured at destination, counted and recorded according to enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safe work procedures

handle livestock safely and humanely

prepare equipment and working dogs (when used) for handling livestock

monitor livestock behaviour and recognise abnormalities

monitor and minimise impacts to the environment

communicate effectively with the muster team

read and interpret muster plans and maps

calculate livestock numbers and assess and calculate feed and water requirements

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

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

relevant OHS and animal welfare legislative requirements

environmental impacts and procedures for mustering and moving livestock.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include evidence of the following:

implement directions for mustering

monitor and anticipate livestock behaviour

muster and move livestock along prepared routes in a calm and controlled manner

monitor welfare of mustered stock.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Livestock may include:

beef cattle

sheep

horses

goats.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.