Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What might semen be examined for?
Donor sire identity, viability, extension, sperm count, abnormalities, contamination.

What are the key considerations when extending or diluting semen?
The viability of the semen, individual donor sire characteristics, nature of the semen - chilled or fresh.

What information should be included on the dose label?
The ID number of the sire animal and the date of processing must be recorded.

What might semen be examined for?
Donor sire identity, viability, extension, sperm count, abnormalities, contamination.

What are the key considerations when extending or diluting semen?
The viability of the semen, individual donor sire characteristics, nature of the semen - chilled or fresh.

What information should be included on the dose label?
The ID number of the sire animal and the date of processing must be recorded.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in processing and storing livestock semen requires evidence that semen batches have been checked for suitability and quality, and have been correctly diluted or extended and stored under the required conditions.
The skills and knowledge required to prepare the display must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, processing and storing semen of different livestock species.
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 competency standard are listed below:

temperatures required for storing of diluent and processed semen doses
quality parameters for livestock semen intended for use in artificial insemination procedures
operation of incubator.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

operate incubator
operate spectrophotometer
calculate concentration and motility of semen batch.

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 competency standard are listed below:

temperatures required for storing of diluent and processed semen doses
quality parameters for livestock semen intended for use in artificial insemination procedures
operation of incubator.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

operate incubator
operate spectrophotometer
calculate concentration and motility of semen batch.

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
Reporting to supervisor about problems encountered with batches of semen being processed. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
Reporting to supervisor about problems encountered with batches of semen being processed. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collecting details about donor sire and the quality of the semen batches. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collecting details about donor sire and the quality of the semen batches. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Sequencing of processing activities and preparation of incubators to ensure correct temperature is maintained. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Sequencing of processing activities and preparation of incubators to ensure correct temperature is maintained. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Working as a team undertaking processing and storing activities. (0)

Working with others and in teams
Working as a team undertaking processing and storing activities. (0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculation of volume and concentration of semen batches. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculation of volume and concentration of semen batches. (2)

Solving problems
Identifying problems with semen batches and/or equipment being used and determining appropriate course of action (e.g. discard batch). (2)

Solving problems
Identifying problems with semen batches and/or equipment being used and determining appropriate course of action (e.g. discard batch). (2)

Using technology
Use of incubator and spectrophotometer, personal computer to record details. (2)

Using technology
Use of incubator and spectrophotometer, personal computer to record details. (2)