Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Apply reproductive anatomy and physiology principles to stud practice

1.1 Assess the reproductive anatomy of stallions on a regular basis during the breeding season to inform stallion management procedures

1.2 Assess the reproductive anatomy and physiological function of mares on a regular basis during the breeding season to inform mare management procedures

1.3 Monitor and report on the behavioural characteristics of oestrous, dioestrous and anoestrous according to industry standard procedures

1.4 Monitor and report the characteristics of pregnancy according to industry standard procedures.

2. Assess stud requirements

2.1 Develop stud breeding program goals and strategies

2.2 Assess and document stud requirements according to enterprise objectives

2.3 Identify resources required to support the breeding programs

2.4 Determine the optimal stud farm layout to facilitate ease of management and meet behavioural needs of horses

2.5 Select breeding options to maximize opportunities and meet stud objectives within industry guidelines

2.6 Develop strategies for compliance with work health safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental legislation and guidelines

3. Manage the breeding calendar of operations

3.1 Document and communicate the calendar of operations to incorporate routine seasonal breeding practices

3.2 Identify and research potential stallions, mares and genetic material for use in the breeding operation

3.3 Develop and implement routine health management procedures

3.4 Determine appropriate breeding and horse management timelines in accordance with annual calendar

3.5 Complete breeding documents in accordance with enterprise and industry requirements

4. Manage conception

4.1 Develop and implement a covering timetable for stallions

4.2 Monitor and report key milestones of conception and gestation are according to industry procedures

4.3 Identify and select relevant pregnancy detection techniques suitable for use on the stud farm

4.4 Develop and implement a strategy for the timely and efficient detection of pregnancies

5. Manage subfertility

5.1 Identify the causes of subfertility and infertility in stallions

5.2 Develop and implement strategies to treat and minimise the impact of stallion subfertility or infertility

5.3 Identify the causes of subfertility and infertility in mares

5.4 Develop and implement management strategies to treat and minimise the impact of mare subfertility and infertility

6. Manage foaling operations

6.1 Implement plans to manage mares immediately prior to foaling

6.2 Oversee the foaling down of mares

6.3 Develop and implement a plan to manage foaling emergencies

6.4 Develop and implement plans for the treatment and management of neonatal illness and injury

6.5 Develop and implement post foaling mare and foal care procedures

7. Manage foetal loss and abortion in mares

7.1 Identify the signs and causes of foetal loss and abortion, and develop procedures to routinely monitor mares for these conditions

7.2 Develop and implement a strategy to prevent or minimise the risk of abortion

7.3 Develop and implement a plan to respond and manage abortion or suspected abortion

7.4 Identify mares that have aborted or at risk of abortion and implement industry standard management procedures

8. Evaluate the application of assisted reproductive technologies to the performance horse industry

8.1 Evaluate the potential benefits of assisted reproductive technologies to stud goals and operations

8.2 Evaluate the costs and implications of assisted reproductive technologies against stud goals and objectives