Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of providing feed for livestock and monitoring their health and welfare in a small scale or opportunity feedlot and defines the standard required to: identify a range of grain and feed types and qualities; identify premixes and weigh out, mix feeds and ingredients and identify basic mixing problems; recognise clinical symptoms (normal vs. abnormal) of disease or injuries; remove sick or injured animals and dispose of or treat in hospital pens; relate herd performance data to ration consistency; and maintain clean feed and water at all times.

Application of the unit 

This unit involves working under limited supervision across the full range of feedlot operations. Overall progress may be checked periodically.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to work with livestock feed

1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program, where necessary, and confined with supervisor.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.3. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

1.4. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked and maintained, if necessary.

1.5. Environmental implications of undertaking work are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action taken.

2. Mix feed

2.1. Scales and containers to be used for measurements are calibrated according to manufacturer instructions.

2.2. Ingredients are identified from instructions and obtained from storage locations.

2.3. Ingredients are measured in the specified ratios and quantities.

2.4. Ingredients are blended adequately and hygienically in the manner specified and using the appropriate equipment.

2.5. Where grinding is required, it is done in the manner specified and using the appropriate equipment.

2.6. OHS hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2.7. Suitable PPE is selected, used and maintained.

3. Feed livestock

3.1. Feed is stored according to organisational procedures and standards.

3.2. Feed physical quality, quantity and type are checked on their arrival to the shed.

3.3. Livestock are fed at scheduled time, rate and frequency according to organisation plans and procedures and the codes of welfare.

3.4. Quality and hygiene of feed is maintained throughout the feeding process.

4. Establish and maintain feedlot hygiene and biosecurity

4.1. Organisational OHS procedures, practices, policies and precautions are observed and followed, including the use of PPE.

4.2. Livestock entering feedlot are examined, their documentation checked and quarantined for a period.

4.3. Cleanliness and hygiene are maintained by selecting and using appropriate cleaning methods according to organisation practices and relevant regulations.

4.4. Thorough personal hygiene practices are maintained in all activities associated with handling livestock, including reducing risks from diseases transmissible to humans.

4.5. Equipment and fittings are dismantled, cleaned and replaced correctly.

4.6. All waste and debris are placed in allocated areas and disposed of, and run-off is dealt with according to the Feedlot Code of Practice, environmental legislation and public health standards.

4.7. Visitors to feedlot are checked and signed in according to protocols.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
• detect possibility of disease through parameters, such as behaviour and appetite
• recognise clinical symptoms (normal vs. abnormal)
• identify a range of grain and feed types and qualities
• identify grain contaminants
• identify premixes and weigh out
• mix feeds and ingredients and identify basic mixing problems
• relate herd performance data to ration consistency
• interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents
• measure and calculate volumes and consumption requirements
• maintain records for all aspects of livestock on feed
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice
• environmental and animal welfare codes of practice and procedures
• the organisations livestock production and management plans
• sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management
• organisation and industry guidelines for the preparation of feed and mixes
• raw ingredients (grains, meals, vitamins, minerals and premix formulations).

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• identify a range of grain and feed types and qualities
• identify premixes and weigh out
• mix feeds and ingredients and identify basic mixing problems
• recognise clinical symptoms (normal vs. abnormal) of disease or injuries
• remove sick or injured animals and dispose of or treat in hospital pens
• relate herd performance data to ration consistency and maintain clean feed and water at all times.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Type of feedlot may include:

• small scale or opportunity lot feeding of grazing animals including:

• cattle
• sheep and goats as part of farm or processing operations.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field