Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, develop and implement a horse breeding strategy for an enterprise or stud farm.
This unit is applicable to individuals who have specialised skills, technical and theoretical knowledge of the horse breeding sector, and management responsibilities for the breeding strategy for a horse stud.
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. Plan horse breeding strategy | 1.1 Determine breeding objectives based on business or operational model of the enterprise in consultation with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify and arrange resources to support breeding objectives 1.3 Select breeding methods to optimise results and consistency 1.4 Assess financial costs and economic returns for breeding strategy 1.5 Formulate breeding strategy to meet enterprise objectives and performance indicators to evaluate outcomes |
2. Apply genetic principles to horse breeding strategy | 2.1 Determine required traits suited to horse purpose that can be selected using genetic qualitative and quantitative principles 2.2 Apply genetic principles and analyse horse population data to predict results of possible matings to achieve desired traits 2.3 Develop strategies for maximising gene frequencies for required traits 2.4 Predict outcomes of possible matings to achieve required traits 2.5 Develop a strategy to achieve genetic progress within enterprise herd |
3. Select horses for breeding | 3.1 Determine criteria for selecting horses to breed based on heritability and purpose of horse 3.2 Analyse individual horse records for heritability, pedigree and progeny information to select breeding stock 3.3 Check and monitor selected horses to ensure condition and welfare status meet breeding program requirements 3.4 Select horses for breeding based on genetic characteristics, considering enterprise and/or client objectives |
4. Monitor breeding program | 4.1 Supervise implementation of the breeding program for efficiency and effectiveness 4.2 Prioritise and implement changes necessary to achieve breeding objectives 4.3 Examine and control allocated resources within enterprise budgetary constraints |
5. Evaluate horse breeding strategy | 5.1 Collate and analyse breeding data and records to evaluate program 5.2 Assess breeding selection criteria, data and outcomes against enterprise objectives and breeding strategy 5.3 Review performance of facilities, resources and equipment for effectiveness and efficiency 5.4 Document relevant information for continuous improvement and to inform future breeding practice |
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 | Interpret, calculate and consolidate complex workplace measures relating to genetics, breeding and finances |
Navigate the world of work | Work independently and/or with others in making decisions to achieve enterprise breeding outcomes Understand requirements of role and take responsibility for work and breeding strategy outcomes |
Interact with others | Use industry contacts and networks to build expertise about horse selection and breeding |
Get the work done | Use key features of workplace technology to access, prepare and report information Make decisions based on analysis of various breeding data and records Plan, sequence, prioritise and make adjustments to accommodate contingencies |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)