Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:36 AM AWST

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Provide basic care of mammals

Provide basic care of mammals

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMSPE310
State Code
BBE29
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
29/11/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2018
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
20/06/2018
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify placental mammals and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for placental mammals. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify mammals
  • 1.1 Define the profile of placental mammals commonly held in a facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics
  • 1.2 Identify external features using industry terminology
  • 1.3 Classify mammals using industry-specific terminology
  • 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • 2.1 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour
  • 2.2 Recognise signs of distressed mammals and report to supervisor
  • 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
  • 2.4 Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements
  • 2.5 Implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific species
3. Catch, handle and restrain mammals
  • 3.1 Identify WHS hazards associated with handling and restraining mammals, and implement methods to minimise risks
  • 3.2 Select and use appropriate equipment to handle and restrain mammal
  • 3.3 Approach and catch mammals while minimising risks to animal and others
  • 3.4 Restrain mammals using approved animal welfare management procedures
4. Assist with health care needs
  • 4.1 Identify signs of good health in mammals
  • 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
  • 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement in accordance with level of job responsibility
  • 4.4 Identify options for health enrichment activities and implement as directed by supervisor
5. Feed mammals
  • 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to mammal-specific feeding routines and diets
  • 5.2 Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability
  • 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
  • 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs
  • 5.5 Distribute food
6. Maintain records
  • 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities
  • 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor
  • 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licenses and transport, where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D3932 ACMSPE310A Provide basic care of mammals Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODC35 ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals Unit of competency