Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of assisting with artificial insemination procedures and defines the standard required to: handle animals humanely and safely; prepare relevant materials and equipment; clean up work areas and equipment following insemination fertility; record details of artificial insemination.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to working under supervision within enterprise guidelines. The artificial insemination procedure will generally be carried out by a registered veterinarian or licensed inseminator, but technical support needs to be provided.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assist with preparation of animals for insemination

1.1. Animals on heat are detected and information recorded or reported to supervisors.

1.2. Animals on heat are moved to the insemination area.

1.3. Animals are restrained, where required, using safe and humane techniques to minimise stress and discomfort.

1.4. Assistance is provided with the hygienic preparation of tools and equipment.

1.5. Suitable personal protective equipment and clothing is selected, used and maintained according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and enterprise requirements.

2. Support insemination procedure

2.1. All insemination equipment is sterilised and cleaned or disposed of according to industry code of practice.

2.2. Intended recipient is correctly identified and readied.

2.3. Intended recipient is restrained, where required, and prepared for insemination to optimise results according to recognised handling techniques that minimise stress.

3. Clean work area and equipment

3.1. Waste is disposed of according to recommended hygiene standards and environmental policy.

3.2. Work area and equipment cleaned to industry standards and returned to operating order.

3.3. Animals are safely returned to designated area according to enterprise requirements and instructions.

3.4. Where used, restraints and harnesses are cleaned and returned to safe and operational order.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and follow safety directions
• safely and humanely handle livestock
• sterilise equipment and prepare hygienic work site prior to insemination procedures
• identify and record animals on heat
• keenly observe animals and insemination processes
• employ safe work practices
• clean up worksite and safely dispose of waste
• communicate effectively with other team members, veterinarians and/or licensed inseminators
• use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• oestrus cycle and heat detection
• sterilisation procedures
• safe animal handling
• animal welfare requirements
• environmental impacts and procedures of working with animals
• record keeping systems.

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:

• handle animals humanely and safely
• prepare relevant materials and equipment
• clean up work areas and equipment following insemination fertility
• record details of artificial insemination.

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.

Animals may include:

• beef cattle
• dairy cattle
• sheep
• goats
• pigs
• alpacas
• horses.

Unit sector 

Artificial insemination

Co-requisite units 

Competency field