This unit applies to workers on non intensive livestock enterprises operating under close supervision with regular checking and within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for feeding

1.1. Condition and health status of livestock is checked and recorded in line with enterprise requirements.

1.2. Feed and feed supplements are confirmed and prepared in line with feeding plan.

1.3. Water supply, quality and quantity is checked and maintained to meet livestock requirements and enterprise requirements.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the workplace are identified and reported to the supervisor.

2. Feed livestock

2.1. Suitable personal protective clothing and equipment is selected, used and maintained in accordance with OHS requirements.

2.2. Feed and feed supplements are provided in accordance with feeding plan and enterprise requirements.

2.3. Feeding process is monitored to ensure livestock are feeding effectively in accordance with feeding plan.

2.4. Procedures to minimise feed wastage and spillage, and dispose and recycle feed waste are followed in line with enterprise requirements.

2.5. Variations to individual eating and drinking patterns are noted and reported.

3. Complete the feeding process

3.1. Feeding process is evaluated and recorded in accordance with workplace procedures.

3.2. Feeding abnormalities are recorded and reported to the supervisor in line with enterprise requirements.

3.3. A clean and safe area is maintained during and on completion of feeding in accordance with OHS and enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

provide feed and feed supplements in accordance with feeding plan

monitor livestock health and condition, and recognise abnormalities

employ safe and environmentally responsible systems and procedures with regard to the handling of livestock and feed

recognise and report environmental implications associated with livestock production

read and interpret feeding plan, work plan and supervisors instructions

communicate and report livestock feeding abnormalities and workplace hazards, and maintain livestock records

assess and calculate herd/flock numbers, measure feed and rate and frequency of feeding

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

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

nutritional requirements for livestock (including water)

types of feed and feed supplements (including pastures and grazing)

types of noxious and toxic plants relevant to feeding areas

livestock health and behaviour

livestock scoring and weighing methods

environmental impact of livestock on ground cover

safe livestock handling techniques and procedures

hazards associated with handling livestock and control measures

personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

enterprise policies with regard to feeding livestock, recording and reporting routines

State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to OHS and animal welfare.

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:

monitor and record livestock condition

apply methods and procedures to provide feed and feed supplements

safely handle livestock

report feeding abnormalities and maintain records.

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.

Animals may include:

cattle

sheep

horses

goats

deer

alpacas

pigs that are being run on a pasture-based system.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.