This unit applies to managers of grazing operations who design and develop feeding plans for livestock.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine nutritional requirements for livestock

1.1. Nutritional value of pasture and feedstuffs is determined.

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

1.3. Essential requirements for livestock nutrition are determined according to assessed livestock condition.

2. Assess pasture feed

2.1. Grazing management strategy is determined to ensure the sustainable stocking capacity of pasture.

2.2. Pasture is monitored for quantity and quality to ensure continual and consistent supply of nutrients to livestock.

2.3. Pasture intake is monitored and assessed according to identified nutritional requirements of livestock.

3. Determine supplementary feeding program

3.1. Economic basis to supplementary feeding is determined according to enterprise requirements.

3.2. Types of supplementary feed are identified and determined for all classes of livestock.

3.3. Supplementary feeding program is determined to fill the pasture shortfall for predicted pasture growth.

4. Develop livestock feeding plan

4.1. Feeding plan is developed and reviewed to ensure it remains responsive to changing conditions.

4.2. Suitable feed conservation methods or fodder sources are identified and carried out in preparation for abnormal conditions.

4.3. A system of feeding is selected that supplies the appropriate amount of feed to the herd/flock to meet condition and growth needs, and that meets production requirements of the business.

4.4. A feed budget is prepared according to the selected system of feeding.

4.5. Data is documented for continual assessment and effective management planning.

Required skills

research predicted seasonal pasture production for the area

estimate the feed value of a standing pasture

calculate the feed demand for different types of livestock and production phases

match feed supply and demand

assess feeding plan alternatives

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

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

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

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

Required knowledge

nutrient and daily energy requirements of livestock

water quality and livestock tolerances

nutritive levels of different feedstuffs

assessment procedures to ascertain livestock condition

methods of assessing pastures quality and quantity

pasture livestock carrying capacity

relationship between lactation and body reserves, udder development and secretion of milk.

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:

identify the production system and intended market for the livestock

match feed supply to livestock nutritional requirements

assess the feed available to stock from pasture and their likely performance

determine an effective and sustainable grazing management strategy

identify pasture shortfalls and supplementary feeding alternatives

determine suitable feed conservation methods or fodder sources

document the feeding plan.

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:

sheep

goats

alpacas

deer

beef cattle.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.