Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of handling and caring for stallions, particularly through the mating process. It also includes collecting semen and caring for the horse to ensure minimal distress after mating and defines the standard required to: humanely and safely handle stallions; provide support to veterinarians for a range of procedures; maximise conception rates (and live foal outcomes) through efficient and well-managed stud activities.

Application of the unit 

This unit is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within organisation guidelines. The position may involve responsibility for highly valuable animals. Through the effective implementation of this standard, conception rates (and live foal outcomes) are maximised through efficient and well-managed stud activities. Stallion use and care ensures the success of the stud as a business.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to handle stallions

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 mating process.

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

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

2. Care for stallions

2.1. Stallions are caught, groomed, checked and exercised as a part of daily routines to maintain fitness and monitor injury, condition and general health.

2.2. Regular checking and accurate observation ensures that all changes in stallion behaviour and health are identified and recorded.

2.3. Feed and water requirements are applied in strict compliance with prescribed nutritional programs and details recorded.

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

2.5. Horse health routines are maintained through and between breeding seasons as prescribed by the supervising veterinarian and/or stud manager.

3. Handle stallion for mating procedures

3.1. Selected stallion is caught and identified in line with mating requirements.

3.2. Suitable restraint is applied to stallion for mating activities.

3.3. All handling of the stallion is done within the guidelines of animal welfare codes and practices.

3.4. Organisation hygiene practices are applied to ensure that risks of disease are minimal.

3.5. Mating or semen collection is completed according to organisation standards, and to minimise stress to the stallion.

3.6. Post-mating procedures are completed as instructed by stud master or veterinarian.

4. Complete hygiene and administration activities

4.1. Equipment is cleaned and stored according to manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.

4.2. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the operations are disposed of safely and appropriately.

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

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work practices
• recognise disease, ill health or injury
• humanely and safely handle stallions and mares
• provide support to veterinarian for a range of procedures
• 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 

• the need for accurate identification and recording in the mating process
• common equine injury and disease that affects breeding horses
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
• relevant OHS and animal welfare legislation, regulations, codes of practice and enterprise procedures
• appropriate legislative requirements, 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:

• humanely and safely handle stallions
• provide support to veterinarians for a range of procedures
• maximise conception rates (and live foal outcomes) through efficient and well-managed stud activities.

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.

Handling and care may include:

• all breeds and types of stallions.

Unit sector 

Horse breeding

Co-requisite units 

Competency field