Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and care for broodmares throughout the breeding season.
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 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. Monitor broodmares in breeding season | 1.1 Modify the nutritional requirements of mares during breeding season 1.2 Monitor mare for signs of oestrus cycles, and record according to workplace procedures 1.3 Implement activities that aim to manipulate mare cycles according to workplace practices 1.4 Record individual mare details accurately, and assist with identifying optimum mating times |
2. Monitor and care for pregnant mares | 2.1 Identify hazards and control risks in pregnant mare environment 2.2 Observe and note indicators of mare health, and report daily monitoring 2.3 Modify the nutritional requirements of mares during each trimester of pregnancy 2.4 Provide supplementary feeding and describe the conditions under which it might be required 2.5 Provide a safe and secure environment for pregnant mares 2.6 Vaccinate and worm mares using safe horse handling techniques |
3. Assist with cases of abortion | 3.1 Assist with preventative measures to lower the risk of abortion, including Caslick procedures, quarantine and housing 3.2 Follow stud procedures for cases of abortion and post-abortion care |
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 |
Writing | Enter accurate data and observations for individual pregnant mares in workplace records |
Navigate the world of work | Comply with workplace procedures, including work health and safety, safe horse handling practices, biosecurity and animal welfare requirements, in own role and work area |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence multiple tasks, monitoring activity and prioritising tasks to achieve outcomes Use workplace technology, tools or systems to complete records |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)