Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:58 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.

Care for sows prior, during and after farrowing

Care for sows prior, during and after farrowing

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPRK315
State Code
OFA90
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
24/01/2023
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/06/2023
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
09/06/2023
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist sows prior to, during and after farrowing. It includes weaning piglets where required. This unit applies to individuals who apply technical knowledge and skills with discretion and judgement to care for pigs in pork production environments. They work under broad direction, coordinate activities and solve problems related to pig welfare. Work environments may include indoor and outdoor pork production systems.Commonwealth and/or state/territory health and safety, animal welfare, environmental protection and biosecurity legislation, regulations and codes of practice apply to keeping and working with pigs. Requirements vary between industry sectors and jurisdictions.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.Mandatory workplace requirements apply to the assessment of this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare farrowing environment
  • 1.1 Identify and follow biosecurity procedures that apply to entering and working on a pork production site
  • 1.2 Identify health and safety hazards, and assess risks and control risks prior to commencing tasks
  • 1.3 Select, prepare and fit appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for tasks and conditions
  • 1.4 Select, clean and/or disinfect and prepare accommodation for sows according to pig, security and safety requirements and enterprise procedures
  • 1.5 Check and/or adjust housing environment and conditions as required to ensure appropriate ventilation, temperature and humidity
  • 1.6 Check and/or adjust feeders and drinkers to ensure availability of feed and correct flow rate
  • 1.7 Check for signs of pests and/or predators according to enterprise procedures
  • 1.8 Resolve and/or report issues according to enterprise requirements
2. Monitor pre-farrowing sows
  • 2.1 Monitor general health and welfare of pre-farrowing sows
  • 2.2 Move and acclimatise sows and gilts to new environment as required, using safe manual handling techniques and low stress animal handling techniques
  • 2.3 Adjust feeding regime for pre-farrowing sows as required
  • 2.4 Check sow records and confirm anticipated due date where possible
  • 2.5 Identify sows showing signs of farrowing, and adjust environment accordingly
  • 2.6 Identify, resolve and report issues to supervisor, including overdue sows
3. Care for farrowing sows
  • 3.1 Select, check and prepare farrowing equipment and resources required to assist sows
  • 3.2 Monitor sows for signs of distress and/or discomfort
  • 3.3 Identify health and safety hazards, and assess and control risks related to assisting sows during farrowing
  • 3.4 Select and fit PPE according to enterprise safety and biosecurity requirements
  • 3.5 Identify sows experiencing farrowing difficulties, and assist sows according to enterprise safety and animal welfare procedures
  • 3.6 Record and report farrowing data and/or issues as required
4. Care for lactating sows
  • 4.1 Monitor sows for signs of lactation
  • 4.2 Adjust feeding regime to suit sow nutritional requirements throughout lactation
  • 4.3 Identify signs of ill health and/or discomfort in sows and piglets, and take appropriate action according to Farm Treatment Plan and welfare requirements
  • 4.4 Maintain clean pig environment and dispose of waste according to enterprise environmental requirements
  • 4.5 Foster piglets according to sow capacity and enterprise procedures
  • 4.6 Record and report husbandry data and/or issues as required
5. Wean sows
  • 5.1 Confirm sows to be weaned according to enterprise procedures
  • 5.2 Identify and move piglets to be weaned
  • 5.3 Record weaning data according to enterprise procedures5.4 Complete sow husbandry and health procedures according to Farm Treatment Plan
  • 5.5 Relocate sows according to production program
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State Code National Code Title Type
BJB2 AHC30422 Certificate III in Pork Production Qualification