This unit applies to working under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress. It is usually done within established routines, methods and procedures where some discretion and judgement is required in the selection of equipment and materials, organisation of work, services and actions to achieve outcomes within time and budgetary constraints. It requires an understanding of basic nutritional and animal requirements.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to work with livestock feed

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from the work program, where necessary, and confirmed with the supervisor.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.3. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

1.4. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked and maintained, if necessary.

1.5. Environmental implications of undertaking work are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action taken.

2. Order and store feed and ingredients

2.1. Ingredients previously selected are ordered from the supplier according to organisational protocols.

2.2. Ingredients and feed are stored safely in the location and manner determined by the supervisor.

2.3. Stock is rotated and replacements are ordered to arrive at the appropriate time to ensure optimum freshness.

2.4. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly according to organisational requirements.

3. Mix feed

3.1. Scales and containers to be used for measurements are calibrated according to manufacturer instructions.

3.2. Ingredients are identified from instructions and obtained from storage locations.

3.3. Ingredients are measured in the specified ratios and quantities.

3.4. Ingredients are blended adequately and hygienically in the manner specified and using the appropriate equipment.

3.5. Where milling is required, it is done in the manner specified and using the appropriate equipment.

3.6. OHS hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

3.7. Suitable PPE is selected, used and maintained.

4. Conduct hygiene and administration activities

4.1. Equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures to maintain hygiene standards.

4.2. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly according to organisational requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

identify a range of grain types and qualities

identify grain contaminants

identify premixes and weigh out

mix feeds and ingredients

identify basic mixing problems

relate livestock performance data to ration consistency

recognise and rectify minor operational faults

read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and material safety data sheets (MSDS)

interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents

measure and calculate volumes and consumption requirements

complete records and documentation of feed use and volumes for the shed

take and prepare feed samples for dispatch to the laboratory

perform routine maintenance of milling and mixing equipment

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 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

silo operations and configuration, machinery and operating practices

cleaning and storage of machinery, equipment and materials

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

raw ingredients (grains and meals)

vitamins, minerals and premix formulations

the implications of grain incorporating chemical, insect and fungal contamination. This includes an awareness of the industry process in place to monitor these contaminants - the National Residue Survey (NRS), the National Antibiotic Residue Minimisation (NARM) and programmed basket surveys

contaminants of raw feed and meals that could reduce performance - seeds, moulds, nutritional and disease factors which can influence product quality

evidence of spoilage and handling spoilt feeds

OHS and environmental legislative and enterprise requirements.

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:

interpret and apply feeding instructions

measure and calculate volumes and consumption requirements

relate livestock performance data to ration consistency

mix feeds and ingredients in line with industry quality standards and requirements

recognise and rectify minor operational faults and perform routine maintenance

complete records and documentation of feed use and volumes for the shed

take and prepare feed samples for dispatch to the laboratory.

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.

Mixing and milling may include:

the safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and guarding of exposed moving parts, including pumps, impellers and aeration equipment

precautions should also be in place to minimise exposure to noise and organics and other dusts.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.