Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the selection and use of micronutrients and additives by operators undertaking stockfeed manufacturing.

Application of the unit 

This unit relates to the application of appropriate identification, handling, use and recording of micronutrients and additives used in stockfeed production.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify finish feed requirement

1.1. Product to be manufactured from production schedule, customer order or standard operating procedure (SOP) is identified

1.2. Micronutrient or additive requirements is identified from screen, recipe, standard operating procedure or supervisor

2. Obtain correct micronutrient or other additive

2.1. Storage location for micronutrient or additive is identified

2.2. Micronutrient or additive is obtained according to SOP

2.3. Micronutrient or additive label is read to determine any special mixing, handling or occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

3. Add micronutrient or additive to product

3.1. Micronutrient or additive is matched to product

3.2. Appropriate volume, measurement or proportion of micronutrient or additive is determined

3.3. Pre-mixing or other micronutrient or additive preparation procedures are undertaken

3.4. Micronutrient or additive to product is added to stockfeed at appropriate location and stage of production process

3.5. Appropriate contamination, quality and sequencing procedures are followed

3.6. Stockfeed samples are taken according to procedures

3.7. Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines

4. Record use of micronutrient or additive

4.1. Type and amount of micronutrient or additive used is recorded according to enterprise and statutory requirements if applicable

4.2. Correct product labels are generated and added to product

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Ability to :

• identify scheduled additives (S4)
• store and handle micronutrients and additives
• follow mixing and addition procedures for micronutrients and additives
• read labels to identify:

• target and non-target species
• dose /addition level
• withholding period
• expiry dates
• storage and handling requirements
• manufacturer's name
• product and active ingredient name

• 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
• work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge 

Knowledge of :

• contamination avoidance, quality and sequencing procedures
• risk factors for cross transference
• withholding periods
• OHS procedures for micronutrients and additives

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 

Evidence is required in manufacturing stockfeeds containing micronutrients and additives to required specification and quality including correct identification of risk factors and risk mitigation procedures.

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of ability to:

• identify and interpret micronutrients and additives requirements from stockfeed recipes and production schedules
• relate micronutrients and additives to correct stockfeed
• follow correct contamination, quality and sequencing procedures
• liaise with nutritionist and other professional and technical staff on micronutrients and additives requirements of stockfeed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The candidate is to be assessed on micronutrients and additives relevant to the stockfeed products and processes in the workplace.

Method of assessment 

Evidence may include direct observation, third party report, portfolio, work documentation, response to questions, and so on that address the performance criteria and critical aspects for assessment.

Guidance information for assessment 

Performance against this standard must be assessed in an industry context. For valid and reliable assessment the activity should closely replicate the work environment, circumstances and equipment likely to be encountered in a workplace.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Micronutrients and additives 

Micronutrients and additives may range from common proprietary products to specific micronutrients and additives prescribed by veterinarians or covered by legislative requirements

Hazards and risks 

The range of hazards and risks associated with micronutrients and additives use includes:

• Cross-contamination of micronutrients and additives for different feeds and recipes
• wrong formula and other errors especially failure to read formula correctly
• incorrect volume/measurement/proportion

Stockfeed 

Stockfeed includes feed commercially produced and branded by enterprises as well as customer provided formulations.

The range of stockfeed can include:

• pellets
• liquids
• mashes
• blocks

Target species 

Target species may include:

• land and marine animals raised commercially for meat, skin products and milk

Unit sector 

Grain processing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units