Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:19 AM AWST

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Implement procedures for foaling down mares

Implement procedures for foaling down mares

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK330A
State Code
D6975
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
05/12/2011
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
05/12/2011
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers the process of monitoring mares and their newborn at foaling and providing the support required, and defines the work practices required to: recognise signs of imminent foaling in mares; monitor foaling and provide assistance if required or refer on if birthing difficulties require veterinary assistance; recognise abnormalities in freshly foaled down mares and in newborn foals; ensure both mare and foal have recovered from foaling and the foal stands and nurses.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for foaling
  • 1.1. Condition and health status of pregnant mare is assessed and monitored prior to foaling.
  • 1.2. Birthing equipment, resources and materials are checked and prepared for use.
  • 1.3. Hazards in assisting with birthing are identified and safe work practices followed.
  • 1.4. Mares are moved to area where intervention can be carried out with as little disruption as possible.
  • 1.5. Mating or AI records are checked and anticipated foaling date is confirmed.
2. Observe the foaling process
  • 2.1. Mares are monitored for signs of approaching parturition.
  • 2.2. Each of the three stages of foaling - the water breaking, the expulsion of the foetus, and the expulsion of the afterbirth - are monitored with veterinary advice sought where required.
  • 2.3. Signs of dystocia or malpresentation are noted from the rate of progress in giving birth and the initial presentation of the foal.
3. Apply intervention strategies if birthing fails to progress normally
  • 3.1. Foaling mares are handled calmly and put in a safe and restricted environment.
  • 3.2. Mares experiencing birthing difficulties are identified by observing behaviour and foaling progress.
  • 3.3. Hygiene procedures are implemented to ensure the operator and any object entering the birth canal is clean.
  • 3.4. The orientation and size of the foetus relative to the pelvis is estimated through manual palpation.
  • 3.5. The possibility of twins is checked and the position of the lead foetus adjusted where required.
  • 3.6. A malpresentation is physically manipulated into the correct position where required.
  • 3.7. Force is applied to the foetus in the case of hips being caught or a breech birth.
4. Carry out monitoring after foal has been born
  • 4.1. Mare is allowed to lie and rest for as long as possible.
  • 4.2. The foal is allowed to stand to break the umbilical cord.
  • 4.3. The afterbirth is tied after the mare stands and is checked for expulsion within two to three hours after foaling.
  • 4.4. The placenta is examined to ensure no part of it has been retained.
  • 4.5. The mare and foal are monitored for nursing and general health.
  • 4.6. Foaling environment, facilities and equipment are maintained in a safe, hygienic and operational state and faults are reported or fixed.
  • 4.7. Record of foaling is kept.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Foaling down may apply to:
all types and breeds of mares.
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:
recognise signs of imminent foaling in mares
monitor foaling and provide assistance if required, or refer on if birthing difficulties require veterinary assistance
recognise abnormalities in freshly foaled out mares and in newborn foals
ensure both mare and foal have recovered from foaling and the foal stands and nurses.
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.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE15 ACMHBR312 Carry out procedures for foaling down mares Unit of competency