Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:39 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:39 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.
Determine nutritional requirements for horses
Determine nutritional requirements for horses
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCHBR309A
AHCHBR309A
State Code
WG538
WG538
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/11/2013
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
18/11/2013
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to interpret the nutritional requirements of horses and formulate appropriate rations to maintain suitable health.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify the nutritional requirements for different classes of horses
- 1.1 The nutritional requirements that meet the individual needs of horse, are identified according to nutritional principles and in consultation with appropriate personnel
- 1.2 Rations are prepared as appropriate to the animal’s condition, workload and age
- 1.3 A basic ration is formulated for an individual horse
- 1.4 Paddocked horses are provided with standing and supplementary feed according to their needs
2. Assess feed, additives and supplements for horses
- 2.1 Feed is selected on the basis of quality, nutritional and economic value, according to organisational policies and procedures
- 2.2 Supplements and feed additives for specific animals are assessed on the basis of active ingredients, price and nutritional needs
3. Establish and monitor individual feeding regimes for horses
- 3.1 An individual feeding regime is established according to the needs of the horse
Each animal’s eating behaviour, food intake and work level is identified and documented in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
- 3.3 Feed regime is monitored and adjusted when required
The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole.
Individual needs of horses may include:
work requirements
individual taste
behaviour
condition
age
environment
workload
stage of training
nutritional principles may include:
nutrients:
protein
fat
trace elements
fibre
minerals
energy
grain and roughage balance
Basic rations may include:
local varieties or species of grass or pasture, hays and fodders
pre-packaged food or bulk base food
Supplementary feed may include:
vitamins
oils
calcium
electrolytes
potassium citrate
iron
hoof hardener
molasses
mineral salt lick
herbal remedies
Individual feeding regimes may include:
size
time and frequency
age effects
gender effects
level of work
individual taste
location of work and feeding
normal habitat
metabolism
time of year and available natural feeds
Individual needs of horses may include:
work requirements
individual taste
behaviour
condition
age
environment
workload
stage of training
nutritional principles may include:
nutrients:
protein
fat
trace elements
fibre
minerals
energy
grain and roughage balance
Basic rations may include:
local varieties or species of grass or pasture, hays and fodders
pre-packaged food or bulk base food
Supplementary feed may include:
vitamins
oils
calcium
electrolytes
potassium citrate
iron
hoof hardener
molasses
mineral salt lick
herbal remedies
Individual feeding regimes may include:
size
time and frequency
age effects
gender effects
level of work
individual taste
location of work and feeding
normal habitat
metabolism
time of year and available natural feeds
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 include demonstration of candidates ability to perform the following:
applying knowledge of factors affecting the nutritional requirements of different horses in the work environment, including the effects of additives and supplements, to prepare and provide balanced diets and food for horses demonstrating an understanding of quality, type and value of feed and needs of individual horses
completing tasks within nominated time frames and applies safe work practices when determining nutritional requirements of horses
applying effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments to feeding regimes in response to changing conditions, such as signs of problem eating displayed by individual horses
documenting and maintaining feed records and adjusting in response to changing requirements
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must include observation of carrying out and monitoring feeding regimes on individual horses on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a variety of horses in various stages of preparation including paddocked horses
information about the properties of additives and supplements
appropriate feed, additives and supplements and feeding equipment
organisational policies and procedures in relation to feeding horses
appropriate personnel
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of interaction with horses during assessment of nutritional needs, and implementation and monitoring of feeding regime
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of factors affecting the nutritional requirements of a range of horses
portfolio of feeding records
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance
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 include demonstration of candidates ability to perform the following:
applying knowledge of factors affecting the nutritional requirements of different horses in the work environment, including the effects of additives and supplements, to prepare and provide balanced diets and food for horses demonstrating an understanding of quality, type and value of feed and needs of individual horses
completing tasks within nominated time frames and applies safe work practices when determining nutritional requirements of horses
applying effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments to feeding regimes in response to changing conditions, such as signs of problem eating displayed by individual horses
documenting and maintaining feed records and adjusting in response to changing requirements
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must include observation of carrying out and monitoring feeding regimes on individual horses on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a variety of horses in various stages of preparation including paddocked horses
information about the properties of additives and supplements
appropriate feed, additives and supplements and feeding equipment
organisational policies and procedures in relation to feeding horses
appropriate personnel
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of interaction with horses during assessment of nutritional needs, and implementation and monitoring of feeding regime
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of factors affecting the nutritional requirements of a range of horses
portfolio of feeding records
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D469 | AHC30310 | Certificate III in Horse Breeding | Qualification |