Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maximise breeding outcomes through preparing stud stock for breeding, assessing and maximising fertility, responding to foaling problems and emergencies, and managing contracts and leases for breeding stock.
This unit is applicable to individuals who have specialised skills, technical and theoretical knowledge, and management responsibilities for the fertility of breeding stock and maximising breeding outcomes for operations within the horse breeding sector.
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. Manage reproductive performance | 1.1 Identify and assess risks associated with managing the reproductive outcomes of stallions and mares for the operation, and implement control measures 1.2 Manipulate oestrus to meet breeding program and other requirements 1.3 Provide and adjust appropriate levels of nutrition and exercise as breeding animals are let down from work or brought into optimal breeding condition 1.4 Collect and analyse semen to assess fertility 1.5 Assess breeding health of stud stock and take appropriate action to maximise fertility and breeding performance 1.6 Establish education requirements of stallions and provide additional training by experienced handler according to workplace practices 1.7 Monitor work health and safety and hygiene procedures, and communicate to staff 1.8 Implement biosecurity and infection control procedures to minimise uterine infection and transmission of sexually transmittable infections and diseases for both stallions and mares 1.9 Maintain stud records according to workplace requirements 1.10 Ensure rules of breed registries, relevant equine disciplines and regulatory requirements are adhered to |
2. Manage foaling and post-foaling problems | 2.1 Ensure staff are briefed on safety and site hygiene procedures relating to foaling and post-foaling procedures 2.2 Ensure resources required to support foaling are clean, hygienic and available prior to foaling, and respond to foaling problems 2.3 Monitor the stages of foaling for signs of problems, and provide obstetrical assistance within critical timeframes 2.4 Monitor health of mares and implement an appropriate treatment program 2.5 Monitor vital signs, general health and behaviour of newborn foals, and seek veterinary assistance where required 2.6 Provide orphaned foals with specialised care and establish fostering arrangements 2.7 Recognise foal neonatal maladjustment syndrome, and implement a care program |
3. Negotiate and prepare breeding contracts and leases | 3.1 Document requirements of breeding contracts and leasing agreements 3.2 Ensure conditions are agreed to between the parties 3.3 Ensure negotiations conform to established workplace requirements and relevant legislation 3.4 Sign contract or lease document and exchange between parties 3.5 Monitor conditions and obligations, and implement grievance procedures according to contract or lease agreement |
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 |
Reading | Interpret and critically analyse complex and formal texts from a range of sources |
Writing | Draft text for legal agreements and prepare administrative documentation |
Numeracy | Calculate financial data and information for contracts and leases |
Oral communication | Participate in verbal exchanges to effectively convey and elicit information from staff, veterinarians and other personnel |
Navigate the world of work | Work independently and with others, taking responsibility for making decisions to manage horse reproductive outcomes |
Interact with others | Use interpersonal skills to establish rapport required for effective relationships with owners and lessees |
Get the work done | Monitor progress of plans, schedules and contracts, and review and update to meet new demands and priorities Use main features and functions of workplace digital tools to complete tasks |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)