Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of implementing feeding plans in an intensive animal production enterprise and defines the standard required to: measure and calculate volumes and consumption requirements; relate livestock performance data to ration and consistency; interpret and apply task instructions and communicate with work team and supervisor; complete records and documentation of feed use, feed stored and animal health and treatments; take and prepare feed samples for dispatch to the laboratory.

Application of the unit 

This unit is likely to be under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for feeding

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risk assessed and suitable controls implemented.

1.2. Livestock condition is assessed and recorded according to industry standards and enterprise requirements.

1.3. Livestock production status or stage of production is identified according to enterprise requirements.

1.4. Environmental implications of undertaking work are identified, likely outcomes assessed and, if necessary, responsible action taken.

1.5. Feed distribution system and feeders are checked and maintained.

2. Carry out feeding and watering

2.1. Automatic/computerised feeders are checked for blockages and correct functioning.

2.2. Any abnormalities or irregularities with feed stocks are rectified.

2.3. Feed consumption and wastage is monitored and adjustments made.

2.4. Watering systems are adjusted for height or position.

2.5. Water flow is checked and adjustments are made accordingly.

2.6. Watering containers or lines are emptied and cleaned where necessary.

3. Conduct hygiene and administration activities

3.1. Feeding equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational procedures to maintain hygiene standards.

3.2. Information gathering, collation and presentation is undertaken promptly, efficiently and accurately.

3.3. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly according to organisational requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify grain contaminants
• mix feeds and ingredients
• relate flock performance data to ration consistency
• recognise and rectify minor operational faults
• read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents
• measure and calculate volumes and consumption requirements
• complete records and documentation of feed use and volumes for the shed
• take and prepare feed samples for dispatch to the laboratory
• take silo readings
• 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 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 

• silo operations and configuration, machinery and operating practices
• cleaning and storage of machinery, equipment and materials
• enterprise recording and reporting procedures
• safe operation of machinery
• contaminants of raws and meals that could reduce performance - seeds, moulds, nutritional and disease factors which can influence product quality
• evidence of spoilage and handling spoilt feeds.

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:

• measure and calculate volumes and consumption requirements
• relate livestock performance data to ration and consistency
• interpret and apply task instructions and communicate with work team and supervisor
• complete records and documentation of feed use, feed stored and animal health and treatments
• take and prepare feed samples for dispatch to the laboratory.

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.

Feeding may include:

• the feeding of pigs and poultry in intensive in all production systems
• shedded sheep
• dairy cattle.

Information relating to feeding plans may include

• supplementary feeding pattern
• feed purchases
• minimum livestock condition levels
• production requirements.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field