Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of moving and controlling alpacas using basic handling methods and procedures and defines the standard required to: prepare handling areas, gates and access routes for alpaca movement; monitor and anticipate alpaca behaviour in handling operations; identify, sort, move and control alpacas for handling and husbandry operations; use correct equipment and calming and humane methods to minimise undue stress and risk to alpacas or handlers; recognise and report signs of unusual behaviour, unhealthy animals or abnormal conditions.

Application of the unit 

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

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for handling alpacas

1.1. Alpaca handling areas, gates and access routes are identified, prepared and maintained according to enterprise requirements.

1.2. Alpacas are located and identified for handling according to supervisor instructions.

1.3. Behavioural characteristics of alpacas are observed and anticipated, and appropriate handling methods are selected.

1.4. Handling equipment is selected, checked for soundness and prepared for use according to manufacturer and supervisor instructions.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the workplace are recognised and reported to supervisor, and action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.

1.6. Hazards to animals are recognised and reported to supervisor, and action is taken to minimise risks to animals.

1.7. Site quarantine and other biosecurity protocols are observed.

2. Handle alpacas

2.1. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to OHS requirements.

2.2. Procedures to control and sort alpacas are followed according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.

2.3. Alpacas are classified according to age, sex and husbandry tasks to be performed.

2.4. Restraint procedures are carried out with minimum stress and discomfort to alpacas, and according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.

2.5. Alpacas are transported when required according to animal welfare requirements.

2.6. Alpaca behaviour is continually monitored and anticipated during moving and handling processes to ensure wellbeing of alpacas and safety of handlers.

2.7. Alpaca count is conducted and recorded according to enterprise requirements.

2.8. Environmental impacts of alpaca handling and husbandry tasks are recognised and reported to supervisor.

3. Carry out basic alpaca husbandry tasks

3.1. All basic alpaca husbandry is carried out according to enterprise, OHS and animal welfare requirements.

3.2. Unhealthy stock and abnormal conditions and/or behaviour are identified and reported to supervisor.

3.3. Stock is fed and adequate clean water is provided.

3.4. Plants poisonous to alpacas are recognised and reported to supervisor.

4. Complete alpaca handling activities

4.1. Alpaca husbandry tasks are completed as instructed, and gates and access routes are prepared for alpacas' departure according to enterprise requirements

4.2. Handling areas and equipment are cleaned and maintained and surplus materials are stored according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

4.3. Handling area maintenance requirements and equipment faults or malfunctions are detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

4.4. Alpaca residues and waste are disposed of according to OHS and enterprise environmental practices.

4.5. Relevant information about particular animals and the husbandry tasks performed is recorded and reported according to enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and apply safe work practices
• assessing and calculating alpaca numbers
• carrying out typical basic alpaca husbandry tasks
• controlling environmental impacts associated with alpaca handling and husbandry
• feeding and providing adequate clean water to alpacas
• identifying a range of plants poisonous to alpacas
• providing due care in the handling of alpacas
• reading and comprehending oral and written information and instructions, writing basic statements and maintaining alpaca handling records
• recognising abnormal behaviour and signs of ill health in alpacas
• using enterprise alpaca identification systems
• 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 

• alpaca behavioural characteristics and movement in handling areas
• classes of alpacas and their basic nutritional and welfare requirements
• components and functions of handling equipment
• enterprise identification systems for alpacas
• environmental codes of practice with regard to alpaca production
• handling techniques and restraint methods
• OHS, environment and animal welfare legislative and enterprise requirements
• plants poisonous to alpacas
• range of typical basic alpaca husbandry tasks and why they are carried out
• regulatory controls relating to the transport of animals on public roads.

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:

• prepare handling areas, gates and access routes for alpaca movement
• monitor and anticipate alpaca behaviour in handling operations
• identify, sort, move and control alpacas for handling and husbandry operations
• use correct equipment, and calming and humane methods to minimise undue stress and risk to alpacas or handlers
• recognise and report signs of unusual behaviour, unhealthy animals or abnormal conditions.

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.

Alpacas may include:

• all types and strains.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field