Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of carrying out regular observation of livestock and dealing with sickness, injuries and emergencies when they occur and defines the standard required to: check livestock regularly; identify symptoms of ill health or injury; deal efficiently and calmly with livestock emergencies; complete basic livestock first aid procedures; record and report serious issues or injuries.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to working under routine supervision within organisation guidelines.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to work with livestock

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 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. Carry out livestock checks

2.1. All livestock are routinely checked for signs of ill health.

2.2. Livestock are examined for signs of illness, injuries and abnormalities, and signs of these are reported in the methods prescribed in the organisations work procedures.

2.3. While handling livestock, the potential for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards is continually monitored, risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented.

2.4. Livestock are handled safely and all required restraints are within the organisations and industry guidelines for animal health and welfare.

3. Deal with livestock emergencies

3.1. Common signs of livestock injury or life threatening conditions are detected and the situation quickly analysed before notification or action is taken.

3.2. Life threatening livestock ailments requiring emergency treatment are notified to the supervisor, manager or veterinarian and immediate assistance is called.

3.3. Basic emergency and/or livestock first aid procedures are carried out until professional help arrives.

3.4. Serious cuts and abrasions to livestock are promptly reported to the supervisor or to the veterinarian and assistance provided as required during professional treatment.

4. Provide veterinary procedure support

4.1. Cuts, abrasions and bruises are treated under instruction from the veterinarian, manager or foreman.

4.2. Animals are examined for signs of distress or soreness after moving or mating procedures and all abnormalities are reported.

4.3. Appropriate treatment is applied as instructed by the manager or supervisor.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and follow safe operating procedures
• handle livestock
• identify signs of ill health or injury or signs of injury or abnormality
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• 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 

• the range of ailments that may occur or affect livestock
• the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision
• the behaviour of the relevant species
• environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
• the organisations livestock production and management plans
• sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management and animal health and welfare.

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:

• check livestock regularly
• identify symptoms of ill health or injury
• deal efficiently and calmly with livestock emergencies
• complete basic livestock first aid procedures
• record and report serious issues or injuries.

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.

Livestock may include:

• cattle
• sheep
• pigs
• alpacas
• goats
• deer.

Livestock does not include:

• horses

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field