Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What size pigs may be moved and handled under this standard?
Newborn piglets through to mature sows and boars.

What pig behaviours may be relevant to moving and handling?
Pigs fear of humans, pig vision, response to illumination, handling behaviour, memory, and obstacles.

Which restraints may be used in moving pigs?
Pig boards and snares.

What pigs are weighed?
Pig weighing is carried out on newborn through to finisher stock.

What pigs are generally condition scored?
Sows are generally condition scored.

What size pigs may be moved and handled under this standard?
Newborn piglets through to mature sows and boars.

What pig behaviours may be relevant to moving and handling?
Pigs fear of humans, pig vision, response to illumination, handling behaviour, memory, and obstacles.

Which restraints may be used in moving pigs?
Pig boards and snares.

What pigs are weighed?
Pig weighing is carried out on newborn through to finisher stock.

What pigs are generally condition scored?
Sows are generally condition scored.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in moving and handling requires evidence that pigs across a range of classes have been successfully and appropriately moved and handled in accordance with enterprise standard operating procedures. The skills and knowledge required to move and handle pigs must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different classes of pigs, enterprise guidelines, and locations.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

pig behaviour and characteristics which can be used to facilitate handling
handling and restraining techniques
enterprise quality assurance policies including standard operating procedures
techniques for moving different classes of pig, (e.g. moving groups of weaners, moving sows and boars)
OHS requirements when handling large animals.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

control and direct pigs
restrain pigs
weigh/condition score pigs.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

pig behaviour and characteristics which can be used to facilitate handling
handling and restraining techniques
enterprise quality assurance policies including standard operating procedures
techniques for moving different classes of pig, (e.g. moving groups of weaners, moving sows and boars)
OHS requirements when handling large animals.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

control and direct pigs
restrain pigs
weigh/condition score pigs.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Through discussions and written notes according to standard operating procedures. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
Through discussions and written notes according to standard operating procedures. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through recording weights, condition scores and pen movements. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through recording weights, condition scores and pen movements. (1)

Planning and organising activities
According to standard operating procedures and supervisor directions. (1)

Planning and organising activities
According to standard operating procedures and supervisor directions. (1)

Working with others and in teams
During moving and handling operations. (1)

Working with others and in teams
During moving and handling operations. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through weighing and condition scoring pigs. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through weighing and condition scoring pigs. (1)

Solving problems
Through advising supervisor. (1)

Solving problems
Through advising supervisor. (1)

Using technology
Through use of weighing equipment. (1)

Using technology
Through use of weighing equipment. (1)