Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:46 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Manage livestock production

Manage livestock production

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK501A
State Code
D6996
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/06/2014
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
25/06/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the process of planning for livestock production, and then managing the implementation of such a plan, and defines the standard required to: establish livestock production targets and plans; monitor and manage animal health and nutrition; implement grazing strategies that match livestock needs and optimise pasture growth; maintain the farm natural resource base through sustainable practice; plan and monitor the finances of the production unit; maintain records of production.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for production
  • 1.1. The capability of land resources for grazing is assessed and stock, fire, pasture or range management strategies are determined for each land capability class.
  • 1.2. The suitability and sustainability of water resources is assessed.
  • 1.3. Livestock production targets for each enterprise are established for the short and long term according to the farms marketing and business plans.
  • 1.4. Short and long term livestock production targets take breeding for herd/flock improvement into consideration, and are established in the light of the risk control factors that are applicable.
  • 1.5. Breeds and breeding programs are selected based on the production targets and the marketing requirements for the enterprise.
  • 1.6. Production facilities are selected and designed in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products.
  • 1.7. Environmental controls are established and specifically included in the production plan.
  • 1.8. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, and suitable controls are incorporated into the production plan.
  • 1.9. A plan is prepared that documents the decisions taken, the assessments made, the targets established, and any specific issues that relate to environmental and OHS risks.
  • 1.10. The plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators.
2. Plan for livestock needs
  • 2.1. Feed requirements are determined for each age/sex category of herds and/or flocks.
  • 2.2. A feeding plan is determined for each livestock category based on a cost benefit analysis.
  • 2.3. Health strategies are devised to prevent and control disease in each herd and/or flock on the basis of a cost benefit analysis.
  • 2.4. Schedules are prepared for purchasing and using the products and services that are used in livestock production.
  • 2.5. Livestock production, harvesting, handling and transportation methods are determined from a cost benefit analysis.
  • 2.6. A livestock production plan is prepared that incorporates the calendar of operations for each enterprise production cycle, and any specific animal welfare issues.
  • 2.7. The plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators.
3. Seek information on innovations for existing or potential enterprises and farm activities
  • 3.1. Sources of information on innovations are identified and accessed.
  • 3.2. Information on innovations is assessed to determine whether or not such innovations could be used in the present enterprise, or in a potential enterprise.
  • 3.3. Prepared production plans are amended to include innovations that are deemed suitable for use in the enterprise.
4. Test and adopt relevant innovations
  • 4.1. Any people who may be involved in implementing the innovation or in planning for it are consulted, and the change is discussed with them.
  • 4.2. Innovations are tested on the farm to determine whether or not they are suitable, and whether they may be readily adapted to suit the circumstances of the business.
  • 4.3. Any OHS hazards or environmental risks that present during the trial phase are identified, assessed, and responsible action is taken.
  • 4.4. A decision is made about whether or not to adopt the innovation, based on its costs and benefits and any implementation issues, including environmental and OHS considerations.
5. Implement, monitor and evaluate livestock production plans
  • 5.1. Production plans are implemented and monitored according the calendar of operations.
  • 5.2. Production facilities are sited, erected and/or installed in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products.
  • 5.3. Livestock growth/maturity or production is evaluated according to the planned targets and the marketing requirements.
  • 5.4. Flock/herd health is monitored and parasite and disease outbreaks are controlled quickly and effectively.
  • 5.5. Feed supplies are assessed, pasture or range condition and species composition are monitored, and stocking rates are varied to maintain optimum pasture and livestock health.
  • 5.6. Environmental impacts and OHS hazards relating to livestock production in the business are identified, monitored and managed to promote optimum pasture, livestock, and employee health.
  • 5.7. Physical and financial records are analysed and extractions taken from them to assess production performance, and to provide information for taxation purposes.
  • 5.8. The production performance of each enterprise is evaluated to determine whether or not they are sustainable and profitable, and to use in reviewing and revising production plans.
6. Comply with legal requirements and regulation
  • 6.1. Information about the legal requirements and regulations that affect farm land ownership/possession and livestock production is obtained.
  • 6.2. Record keeping requirements are determined, and procedures are put in place to ensure compliance with the range of applicable regulations including taxation legislation.
  • 6.3. Permits are obtained from the relevant authorities for the transport and movement of livestock and equipment.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Livestock may include:
beef cattle
dairy cattle
pigs
horses
alpacas
deer
goats
sheep.
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:
establish livestock production targets and plans
monitor and manage animal health and nutrition
implement grazing strategies that match livestock needs and optimise pasture growth
maintain the farm natural resource base through sustainable practice
plan and monitor the finances of the production unit
maintain records of production.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3552 RTE5103A Manage livestock production Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAR47 AHCLSK501 Manage livestock production Unit of competency