Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

How might livestock
Condition may be checked by weighing and condition scoring, and health status may be determined by general observation of animal soundness and well being.

What
Animals covered by this unit of competency may include sheep, dairy and beef cattle, horses, goats, deer and alpacas.

Which
Standard Operating Procedures, industry standards, production schedules, work notes, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), OHS procedures, supervisors oral or written instructions, work and feeding plans.

What type of
Feed and feed checks may include identifying species of grass/legume, quantity of feed, quality of feed, the incidence of toxic species and weeds, and checking for cleanliness and freshness including the removal of stale or contaminated food.
Feed supplements may include hay, grain, trace elements, vitamins and sources of nutrients including silage, paddock feed, grain legumes, mineral blocks, calcium and other nutrient supplements, and specific purpose feeds. Supplementary feeding may be required to cover seasonal, drought or other feed shortages and trace element deficiencies.

What might be included in a
Target weights, amount and type of feed and feed supplements, how to introduce livestock to supplementary feeding, how to introduce a change in diet or feed, feeding frequency and rates, feeding methods and procedures, weed control strategy, supervisors instructions, and reporting and recording requirements.

What might be included in checking
This may include the observation of availability, quantity, reserves, flow rate, serviceability, number of livestock using water point, the presence of algal bloom, contamination, signs of deterioration, and checking water supply sources and systems for correct operation.
Checks must also be made to ensure that water is supplied to livestock in a manner and at a height that allow safe ease of access by all livestock (e.g. ensuring that young/small animals are able to drink freely).

Which
Safe livestock handling systems and procedures including zoonoses (Q Fever), identify hazards and report risks, safe manual handling systems and procedures, safe livestock handling procedures, safe systems and procedures for handling and storage of grain and feed to reduce risk associated with organic and other dusts, safe systems and procedures for outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, protection from dust, and the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment.

Which existing and potential and
Livestock movement and handling, solar radiation, organic and other dusts, excessive noise, and moving machinery and vehicles.

What
Boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What
The accurate measurement of feed quantities, the use of precise measurement devices and apparatus, and the accurate determination of livestock feed requirements.

What
This may include the general observation of sick animals, shy feeders, weight loss, scouring, greedy (bossy) feeders, and ill thrift.

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.
What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this unit as a whole?
Competence in feeding livestock requires evidence of the ability to follow a feeding plan accurately to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock. It involves the ability to monitor and record livestock condition, apply methods and procedures to provide feed and feed supplements, safely handle livestock, recognise hazards, report feeding abnormalities and maintain records. Evidence must also be demonstrated in the employment of safe workplace and positive environmental practices associated with livestock production. The skills and knowledge required must be transferable to another rural environment. For example, this may include different breeds, animals, enterprises and feed stuffs.

What processes should be applied to this unit of competency?
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 unit of competency. 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.
How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?
Information and ideas about the feeding plan can be communicated to feed suppliers and other people in the workplace.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?
Information regarding the observation and monitoring of feeding is gathered and analysed, and organised by records and reports
How are activities planned and organised (2)?
Activities can be planned and coordinated with feeding and monitoring routines.How can team work (2) be applied?
How can team work be applied?
Teamwork could be involved in implementing and monitoring procedures to achieve feeding requirements.How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
Mathematics could be applied in the measurement and calculation of feed, and feed frequency requirements.
How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?
Problems of supply and demand will need to be anticipated and addressed quickly to ensure the adequate provision of feed and water requirements.
How can the use of technology (1) be applied?
The use of technology can be applied to assist in the calculation and development of a feeding plan, in the recording of information, and to communicate and inform on the feeding process.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.
There is essential information about