Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:23 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.

Conduct dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle

Conduct dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK338
State Code
ODU55
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/02/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/05/2022
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
31/05/2022
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and conduct Dropped Ovary Technique (DOT) procedures and post DOT procedures for controlling fertility in females in extensive beef herds.The unit applies to individuals who conduct DOT procedures for spaying cattle under broad direction, and take responsibility for their own work.It is essential that individuals who undertake this unit have worked with cattle for at least one year prior to commencing this unit.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, health and safety in the workplace requirements, animal welfare legislative, regulatory and codes of practice requirements, and sustainability and biosecurity practices.In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.Regulatory requirements apply in some jurisdictions restricting the conduct of the DOT procedure to registered veterinarians. Users are advised to check with the relevant State or Territory regulatory authority.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct pre-DOT evaluations
  • 1.1 Identify and comply with relevant State or Territory legislation, regulations, codes of practice and animal welfare requirements
  • 1.2 Discuss alternatives to ovariectomy with cattle manager and carefully consider them prior to undertaking DOT procedure
  • 1.3 Confirm pre-operative evaluation of cattle submitted for ovary dropping with cattle manager
  • 1.4 Identify and discuss risks associated with DOT procedure with cattle manager
2. Prepare for DOT operations
  • 2.1 Monitor and determine optimal weather conditions for operation
  • 2.2 Select time of day for operation to minimise animal stress
  • 2.3 Engage adequate numbers of skilled workers
  • 2.4 Select appropriate holding yards, forcing yards, race and settling yards
  • 2.5 Follow low-stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures
  • 2.6 Allow cattle to settle and cool after yarding
3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment
  • 3.1 Select required DOT equipment and check for safe operation, cleanliness and hygienic condition to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
  • 3.2 Check cattle crush used for procedure is maintained in good working order and operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator and animal
  • 3.3 Prepare wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers and position ready for use
  • 3.4 Prepare disinfectant solution according to label and safety data sheet directions
  • 3.5 Sharpen ovariotome regularly and disinfect before use and between each procedure
  • 3.6 Clean, disinfect and store all equipment at the end of operations to minimise contamination
4. Conduct DOT procedures
  • 4.1 Conduct procedures according to workplace health and safety, biosecurity and animal welfare requirements
  • 4.2 Maintain facilities, hands, handling and equipment hygiene throughout the procedures
  • 4.3 Handle cattle quietly in the holding yards, forcing yards and race so that they are relatively calm when they reach the crush
  • 4.4 Identify common DOT procedural impediments and plan remedial actions
  • 4.5 Provide pain management according to legislative requirements
  • 4.6 Perform DOT procedures according to industry best practice standards and processing rates
  • 4.7 Apply identification earmarks or ear tags to cattle upon completion of procedures, according to relevant State or Territory legislative requirements
  • 4.8 Release and allow ovariectomised animals to settle on to feed and water in the settling yards for several hours, before moving them quietly to pasture
5. Carry out post DOT procedures
  • 5.1 Record cattle identity and date of the procedure, with details of significant observations where required
  • 5.2 Inspect cattle regularly with minimal disturbance for signs of post-operative complications during the healing process and take appropriate action where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAP62 AHCLSK335 Conduct dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJB3 AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture Qualification
BCW6 AHC30116 Certificate III in Agriculture Qualification