Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers implementing intensive production systems and defines the standard required to: determine measurable indicators, specifications and targets for the intensive enterprise; assess the resources required for unit operations; establish processes/strategies, procedure and controls to meet quality assurance requirements and production targets; implement quarantine procedures and monitor disease status of stock; operate effluent storage and disposal systems; monitor the production system for output, Quality Assurance (QA) compliance, costs and profitability.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the implementation and monitoring of intensive production systems.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for production operations

1.1. Documents within the organisation that detail the requirements of the production program are identified and obtained.

1.2. The resources required for the production operations are assessed and calculated from the product to be produced, the available timelines, the available resources, and the types of shed used.

1.3. Measurable indicators, specifications and targets are determined, based on the production program and type of shed used.

1.4. Discussions are held with operational personnel and immediate management to discuss the production program.

1.5. Any approvals that are required for the operations are identified, sought and obtained.

2. Intensively produce livestock products

2.1. People, materials and equipment required for the operations are co-ordinated, scheduled and regularly communicated with, according to the prepared plan and to ensure smooth operation and progress.

2.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, assessed, and responsible action taken throughout the production operations.

2.3. The procedures and tools to be used, the personal protective equipment to used/worn, the kind of records that are to be taken, and any potential hazards that might be faced are clearly communicated to operational personnel, and confirmation of the clear communication is sought.

2.4. Any documentation that is required to be kept by either the organisation or OHS guidelines is completed clearly and accurately.

2.5. Advice is given to operational staff and any contractors during the production operations when requested, or when the need is observed.

3. Manage environment for livestock

3.1. Herd/flock and shed conditions are regularly observed for signs of ill health and changes recorded and reported.

3.2. Dead livestock is examined for evidence of disease through correct post-mortem techniques in line with individual unit standard and veterinary advice.

3.3. Disease status of unit stock is assessed and evaluated, and serviceman or veterinary assistance notified when required.

3.4. Components of quarantine procedures are regularly checked for compliance.

3.5. Aspects of the internal environment are monitored and adjusted in line with the production program.

4. Manage waste and environmental matters

4.1. Effluent storage and disposal systems are operated according to production program and manufacturers instructions.

4.2. Volume and type of effluent is calculated, monitored and documented according to the requirements of the production program.

4.3. All rubbish and used consumables are removed from production site according to the requirements of the production program.

4.4. Environment maintenance program is ongoing through all seasons where this is required by the organisations management plan.

4.5. The regulatory and legislative requirements outlined in the production program are monitored and reported on as necessary.

5. Monitor and adjust production operation

5.1. Monitoring points outlined in the production plan are adhered.

5.2. Checks are made to ensure that the OHS requirements are being observed and followed.

5.3. Checks are made to ensure that the site environmental requirements are being observed and followed.

5.4. Operational staff and any contractors are communicated with regularly to ensure smooth operation and progress.

5.5. Checks are made to ensure that the documentation required by the organisation or other regulating bodies, is completed clearly and accurately during the progress of the control operations.

5.6. Where any corrective action or amendment is required, the action is initiated and taken.

5.7. Documentation is collated and stored according to the requirements of the organisation.

5.8. Recommendations for subsequent production programs are prepared, based on the conduct of the operation, the data collected, and the discussions had during the operation.

5.9. Where it is required, a report on the production operations and throughput is made including the key aspects of the operation.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and monitor the safety of the operating environment
• perform routine hygiene maintenance activities
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• establish processes/strategies, procedure and controls for livestock production
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• common livestock diseases and clinical signs
• quarantine policies and herd/flock health status
• relevant industry, environmental and quality standards (inc ISO9002:1094)
• animal welfare codes of practice and procedures
• differences between a range of production systems
• types of sheds and production systems
• livestock husbandry and management practices
• environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
• relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

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:

• determine measurable indicators, specifications and targets for the intensive enterprise
• assess the resources required for unit operations
• establish processes/strategies, procedure and controls to meet quality assurance requirements and production targets
• implement quarantine procedures and monitor disease status of stock
• operate effluent storage and disposal systems
• monitor the production system for output, QA compliance, costs and profitability.

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.

Facilities and production systems may include:

• those of intensive pigs, poultry and lot fed ruminants.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field