Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:10 AM AWST

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Castrate livestock

Castrate livestock

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK364
State Code
OFF37
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/02/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2025
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
11/08/2025
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to castrate young animals.The unit applies to individuals who castrate livestock under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for animal castration
  • 1.1 Interpret work to be undertaken from work program and confirm with supervisor
  • 1.2 Hold discussions with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the production process
  • 1.3 Identify hazards and risks and implement safe working practices to manage risks
  • 1.4 Select, fit, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) applicable to the task
  • 1.5 Hygienically clean castration area to minimise the risk of infection
  • 1.6 Select, check and assemble equipment, instruments and resources needed for castration operations, ensuring adequate supplies of consumables
  • 1.7 Separate male animals as required using good stock handling techniques and according to animal welfare practices
2. Castrate animals
  • 2.1 Select, catch and restrain individual animals using good stock handling techniques and according to animal welfare practices
  • 2.2 Check animals for health and soundness according to workplace procedures
  • 2.3 Castrate restrained animals in a humane and hygienic manner according to workplace procedures, industry standards, and animal welfare practices
  • 2.4 Complete records according to workplace procedures
3. Complete hygiene and administration activities
  • 3.1 Dispose of livestock residues, debris and waste according to workplace environmental practices
  • 3.2 Clean, maintain and store instruments and equipment using appropriate hygiene procedures
  • 3.3 Clean and maintain a safe work area using appropriate hygiene procedures
  • 3.4 Identify and report unserviceable equipment and PPE according to workplace procedures
  • 3.5 Record and report work outcomes according to workplace procedures
4. Monitor castrates
  • 4.1 Move animals from yard to pasture as soon as practical with minimal stress to reduce risk of infection
  • 4.2 Monitor animals to identify post-castration complications
  • 4.3 Identify and treat animals exhibiting signs of ill health or infection
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAO42 AHCLSK325 Castrate livestock Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJB3 AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture Qualification
BJA7 AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations Qualification