Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 7:30 AM AWST
24/07/2026 7:30 AM 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.
Plan, prepare and conduct mulesing procedures
Plan, prepare and conduct mulesing procedures
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK371
AHCLSK371
State Code
OFF06
OFF06
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2025
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
11/08/2025
Nominal Hours
12
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct the most efficient and humane mulesing procedure in circumstances where all alternative methods of breech flystrike prevention have been evaluated and mulesing is considered the most appropriate of these for the long-term welfare of the sheep.The unit applies to individuals who plan, prepare and conduct mulesing procedures under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.This unit applies to sheep farmers and contractors in the livestock industry who normally operate under limited supervision.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace, and animal welfare legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines, and sustainability and biosecurity practices.In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, individuals should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant state or territory before undertaking this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct pre-mulesing evaluations
- 1.1 Identify and comply with relevant legislation, regulations and animal welfare practices
- 1.2 Identify industry standards and guidelines
- 1.3 Seek expert advice and discuss alternative strategies to manage flystrike susceptibility prior to undertaking mulesing procedures
- 1.4 Confirm workplace requirements for use of mulesing
- 1.5 Conduct pre-operative evaluation of sheep
- 1.6 Identify hazards and risks and implement safe working practices to manage risks
- 1.7 Select, fit, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) applicable to the task
2. Prepare for mulesing operations
- 2.1 Identify and order supplies and equipment
- 2.2 Monitor weather conditions to determine optimal conditions for operation and recovery of sheep from the procedure
- 2.3 Select suitable time of day for operation to minimise the separation time of lambs and ewes
- 2.4 Engage skilled workers to perform mulesing
- 2.5 Select appropriate yards, paddocks and pastures for each mob and each day to allow adequate time for mothering-up of lambs after separation from the ewes
- 2.6 Muster, move and handle sheep using good stock handling techniques and according to workplace animal welfare practices
- 2.7 Allow lambs to settle and cool after yarding
3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment
- 3.1 Maintain equipment in clean, hygienic and good working order to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection in sheep
- 3.2 Maintain and operate mulesing cradles in good working condition to ensure minimal risk to the operator or lamb, especially when loading and unloading
- 3.3 Set, grind and sharpen mulesing shears according to workplace procedures
- 3.4 Disinfect mulesing shears after sharpening, before use and between each animal
- 3.5 Prepare wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers for use
- 3.6 Prepare, test and check chemical application equipment
- 3.7 Clean, disinfect and store equipment at the end of operation according to workplace procedures
4. Conduct mulesing procedures
- 4.1 Conduct all procedures according to workplace health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements
- 4.2 Maintain facility, operator hands, handling and equipment hygiene throughout the operation
- 4.3 Handle lambs using good stock handling techniques and use restraints such as cradles
- 4.4 Perform mulesing procedure according to model code of practice and industry standards
- 4.5 Apply pain relief to the wound immediately after the procedure according to industry standards and legislative requirements, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions
- 4.6 Apply insecticide dressing to the surrounding intact wool-bearing skin immediately after the procedure according to industry standards and SDS instructions
- 4.7 Monitor and evaluate wound symmetry, size and position, and breaks in selvage
- 4.8 Remove lambs from cradles so they land gently on all four feet
5. Conduct post-mulesing management procedures
- 5.1 Allow lambs, following release, to mother-up to ewes
- 5.2 Provide immediate treatment for lambs that are abandoned or unable to stand or walk
- 5.3 Monitor lambs for abnormal signs such as infection and septicaemia
- 5.4 Complete mulesing documentation and records according to workplace procedures
- 5.5 Identify and report unserviceable equipment and PPE according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAL75 | AHCLSK334 | Plan, prepare and conduct mulesing procedures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJB3 | AHC30122 | Certificate III in Agriculture | Qualification |