This unit applies to workers on livestock grazing enterprises and requires judgment in monitoring pasture, selecting method of feeding and assessing supplementary feed requirements. Coordinating the feeding of livestock involves responsibility for the welfare of livestock, reporting to management and coordinating feeding with other staff and operations.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine livestock condition and nutritional requirements

1.1. Livestock condition is monitored and reported according to industry standards and enterprise requirements.

1.2. Livestock production status is identified according to enterprise requirements.

1.3. Livestock nutritional requirements and the nutritional value of feedstuffs are sourced from the feeding plan.

1.4. Feeding plan is referred for adjustment in response to the monitoring of livestock condition and pasture growth.

1.5. Animals that are in atypical condition, injured or diseased, are reported or separated.

2. Assess pasture feed

2.1. Quantity and quality of available pasture is assessed.

2.2. Grazing management is implemented and monitored to ensure the sustainable stocking capacity of pasture.

2.3. Grazing behaviour of livestock is monitored and shy or problem feeders identified.

2.4. Livestock feeding methods and level of supplementary feeding is determined, according to the feeding plan.

3. Manage the feeding of livestock

3.1. Livestock are grazed on pasture according to the guidelines described in the feeding plan.

3.2. Required supplementary feed is obtained according to the guidelines described in the feeding plan.

3.3. Supplementary feed is provided to livestock in the manner, and at the times described in the feeding plan.

3.4. Indications of any negative environmental impacts are identified and assessed, and amendments are made to the feeding method as required

3.5. Condition and liveweight response to feeding is monitored and reported for review of the feeding plan.

Required skills

assess pasture health and condition

assess herd/flock health and condition

assess livestock condition and liveweight

respond to or report negative environmental impacts of feeding

order feed if requested in line with feeding plan

handle livestock humanely and monitor animal welfare

identify livestock nutritional requirements

identify feeding problems and animals that require individual treatment

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

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

Required knowledge

the nutrient and feeding requirements of a range of livestock

indicators to monitor the level of feeding

different types of agricultural feeds

the factors that affect feed supply and demand for a farming operation

grazing practices which maximise pasture growth and quality to best match herd/flock feed requirements

the purpose of feed conservation in relation to enterprise feed supply and livestock requirements

different types of pasture grazing systems, e.g. rotation, strip or block grazing

ways of determining a feed surplus

the role of spelling subdivision in effective pasture and animal management

different supplementary feeding options for livestock

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

nutrient values of pasture and supplementary feedstuffs

nutritive disorders in livestock and preventative measures

enterprise livestock identification systems

OHS legislative requirements

codes of practice with regard to animal welfare and environmental protection.

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 achievement of the following:

monitor the availability of pasture

assess herd/flock health and condition

read and implement a feeding plan

identify livestock nutritional requirements

estimate livestock feed requirements, and calculate feed requirements.

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.

Feeding may include:

feeding plans for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas and deer running on pasture

Information relating to feeding plans may include:

seasonal supplementary feeding pattern

fodder conservation plan

feed purchases, drought reserves

minimum livestock condition levels

production requirements

use of agistment.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.