Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor mares and their newborn at foaling; and refer high risk issues or problems for expert advice.
The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts within horse breeding and other horse industry environments.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for foaling | 1.1 Calculate and document foaling due dates for all mares confirmed pregnant 1.2 Assess and monitor condition and health status of pregnant mare prior to foaling, including arranging for Caslick to be opened for relevant mares 1.3 Identify hazards and assess and control risks in assisting with birthing, and follow safe work and safe horse handling practices 1.4 Check and prepare birthing equipment, resources and materials, and environment, including personal protective equipment for safety and infection control purposes 1.5 Move mares to an area where intervention can be carried out with minimal disruption and where biosecurity and quarantine procedures can be implemented 1.6 Prepare a foaling plan according to workplace practices |
2. Monitor the foaling process | 2.1 Make regular observations to detect the signs of imminent parturition 2.2 Prepare a pregnant mare for foaling 2.3 Check regularly for signs of problems that may occur during foaling, and seek professional advice if required 2.4 Make regular observations of mare and foal during foaling 2.5 Ensure the foaling environment, facilities and equipment are maintained in a safe, hygienic and operational state 2.6 Update and maintain records of foaling and foaling outcomes |
3. Carry out monitoring after foal has been born | 3.1 Allow mare to lie and rest for as long as possible 3.2 Allow the foal to stand to break the umbilical cord, and treat stump with iodine 3.3 Assist with tying the placenta after the mare stands and checking for expulsion 3.4 Examine the placenta to ensure no part of it has been retained 3.5 Monitor the mare and foal for nursing and general health 3.6 Maintain foaling environment, facilities and equipment in a safe, hygienic and operational state, and report or fix faults 3.7 Update foaling records accurately according to workplace practices |
4. Monitor and report on newborn foals | 4.1 Monitor and report on the health of newborn foal 4.2 Record the markings and other identifying features of newly born foals 4.3 Report conditions or signs of ill health requiring veterinary assistance |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Numeracy | Use basic arithmetic to calculate gestation times and expected birthing dates |
Navigate the world of work | Comply with workplace procedures, including safe work and horse handling practices, and animal welfare requirements, in own role and work area |
Interact with o thers | Work cooperatively with other personnel using clear communication techniques to report foaling activity |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence multiple tasks, monitoring activity and prioritising tasks to achieve outcomes Use workplace technology, tools and systems to complete records and reports |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)