Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:01 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:01 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.
Implement procedures for calving
Implement procedures for calving
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK329A
AHCLSK329A
State Code
D6974
D6974
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/12/2011
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
02/12/2011
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the process of monitoring cows at calving and providing the support required, and defines the standard required to: recognise signs of imminent calving; prepare facilities and equipment for calving; monitor calving and provide intervention if required, or refer on if birthing difficulties require specialist assistance; recognise abnormalities in freshly calved cows and their calves; monitor cow and calf post calving.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for calving
- 1.1. Condition and health status of cow is assessed and monitored prior to birthing.
- 1.2. Birthing equipment, resources and materials are checked and prepared for use.
- 1.3. Cows at risk of calving difficulty (especially first calf heifers) are grazed in an area where intervention can be carried out with as little disruption as possible.
- 1.4. Hazards in assisting with calving are identified and safe work practices followed.
- 1.5. Mating records are checked and anticipated calving date is confirmed.
2. Observe the calving
- 2.1. Cows are monitored for signs of approaching parturition and throughout calving.
- 2.2. Signs of calf malpresentation or dystocia are noted from the rate of progress in giving birth and the initial orientation of the feet and head.
3. Support calving
- 3.1. Calving cows are handled calmly and put in a secure environment.
- 3.2. Hygiene procedures are implemented to ensure that any calving equipment entering the birth canal is clean.
- 3.3. The orientation and size of the foetus relative to the pelvis is estimated through manual palpation.
- 3.4. The possibility of twins is checked and the position of the lead foetus adjusted where required.
- 3.5. A malpresentation is physically manipulated into the correct position where required.
- 3.6. Calving ropes/chains are placed on the calf above the front fetlocks and appropriate calf pulling equipment is applied in the case of dystocia, without causing undue harm to the female.
- 3.7. Specialist support is brought in if normal assistance procedures are not adequate to assist the calving.
4. Carry out monitoring after calf has been born
- 4.1. Cow is allowed to rest and encouraged to lick the calf as an initial bonding.
- 4.2. Calves that have been assisted are checked for clear airways.
- 4.3. The placenta is left for the cow to ingest after calving.
- 4.4. Cows with retained placentas or other abnormalities are treated and recorded.
- 4.5. The calving environment, facilities and equipment are maintained in a safe, hygienic and operational state and faults are reported or fixed.
- 4.6. Record of calving is kept.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Compliance requirements may include:
OHS legislation, regulations and codes
animal welfare legislation and codes of practice
quality assurance procedures.
Class of stock to be calved down may include:
all types and breeds of cattle.
Calving equipment may include:
calf pullers, calf chains, halters and ropes.
Hygiene procedures may include:
personal hygiene, use of disinfectants, sanitising of equipment, use of sterile gloves.
Post calving procedures may include:
removal of retained placenta, antibiotic treatments, and mothering up and suckling of the calf.
Situations requiring veterinary intervention may include:
dystocias, ruptures, physical injury to the calving female or calf.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Compliance requirements may include:
OHS legislation, regulations and codes
animal welfare legislation and codes of practice
quality assurance procedures.
Class of stock to be calved down may include:
all types and breeds of cattle.
Calving equipment may include:
calf pullers, calf chains, halters and ropes.
Hygiene procedures may include:
personal hygiene, use of disinfectants, sanitising of equipment, use of sterile gloves.
Post calving procedures may include:
removal of retained placenta, antibiotic treatments, and mothering up and suckling of the calf.
Situations requiring veterinary intervention may include:
dystocias, ruptures, physical injury to the calving female or calf.
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 calving in cattle
monitor calving and provide assistance if required, or refer on if birthing difficulties require supervisor or veterinary assistance
recognise abnormalities in calved cows and in newborn calves
monitor cow and calf post calving.
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.
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 calving in cattle
monitor calving and provide assistance if required, or refer on if birthing difficulties require supervisor or veterinary assistance
recognise abnormalities in calved cows and in newborn calves
monitor cow and calf post calving.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAO30 | AHCLSK329 | Implement procedures for calving | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D467 | AHC30110 | Certificate III in Agriculture | Qualification |
| D468 | AHC30210 | Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) | Qualification |