Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the quality management of mating or Artificial Insemination (AI) procedures to maximise conception rates and live foal outcomes and defines the standard required to: use appropriate oestrus detection methods; handle mares for serving or artificial insemination and assist as appropriate; recognise disease, health or injury; humanely and safely handle broodmares and their foals; provide support to veterinarian or stallion manager.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to work performed under the direction and supervision of the stallion manager or artificial inseminator.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to perform mare mating procedures

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

1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the production process.

1.3. Organisation requirements for the care and handling of horses within the guidelines of animal health and welfare are recognised and understood.

1.4. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.

2. Identify mares in a state of oestrus

2.1. Mares due for service are identified and selected according to enterprise guidelines.

2.2. Selected mare is caught and restrained for oestrus identification as instructed.

2.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are continually identified while handling horses, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2.4. Stud records are updated accurately either manually or electronically.

3. Attend mares for service

3.1. Mare is prepared for service routines in line with stud policy.

3.2. Mare is restrained for natural service and foal secured in close proximity where appropriate.

3.3. Mare is attended for the service or artificial insemination process as required by organisational procedures.

3.4. Mare is returned to box or paddock as instructed by the stud master.

3.5. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with organisational requirements.

4. Provide support for routine reproductive procedures

4.1. Mare is carefully restrained, as required, for proposed procedure and in line with animal welfare guidelines.

4.2. Support is provided to stud master or veterinarian for manual or ultrasound pregnancy testing procedures.

5. Maintain accurate identification and records

5.1. Details of identification and breeding are recorded accurately.

5.2. Details of any treatment performed, including follow up treatment required, are reported to supervisor.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• use appropriate oestrus detection methods
• handle mares to prepare and carry out mating or AI
• recognise disease, health or injury for mares and their foals
• humanely and safely handle broodmares
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• 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 

• identify hazards and assess risks
• oestrus cycle in mares and dioestrus behaviour and its detection
• anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive systems in horses
• conception and gestation in the mare
• basic reasons for infertility in mares and what may be treated by veterinarians
• nutritional requirements of mares prior to and post- mating
• appropriate handling restraints
• procedures for preparation for mating
• artificial insemination procedures
• animal welfare requirements
• mare identification methods
• stud record keeping procedures
• mare handling procedures
• requirements of veterinarians in carrying out pregnancy testing
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare
• relevant OHS legislation, codes of practice and workplace procedures
• appropriate manufacturer's instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
• organisation recording and reporting procedures.

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:

• use appropriate oestrus detection methods
• handle mares for serving or artificial insemination and assist as appropriate
• recognise disease, health or injury
• humanely and safely handle broodmares and their foals
• provide support to veterinarian or stallion manager.

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.

Procedures to be completed includes:

• work is interpreted from work program, where necessary, and confirmed with management.

Unit sector 

Horse breeding

Co-requisite units 

Competency field