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 does feed laboratory testing include?
Protein, fat, coccidiostat, calcium, phosphorous, trace elements, mycotoxins and medications.

Why might samples of feed mix be sent for testing?
To ensure that the appropriate nutritional value is being delivered to the livestock. Such testing may also be a requirement of any Quality Assurance accreditation.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
Boots, hats/hard hat, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sun screen).

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise OHS risk?
The range of actions are both systematic and at an operational level. These are listed below:

What will be monitored during feed checks?
Feed checks need to ensure the livestock are fed the correct diets and amounts at the right time, with minimum wastage, and that feed is clean and accessible.

What would livestock reaction to feed include?
Development of wet faeces, feed time increases, body weight gain/drops, and increased mortality.

How might information be documented?
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What actions will require documentation?
Medicated feed offered to livestock nearing market age/weight. This will ensure withholding periods are adhered to.

What does feed laboratory testing include?
Protein, fat, coccidiostat, calcium, phosphorous, trace elements, mycotoxins and medications.

Why might samples of feed mix be sent for testing?
To ensure that the appropriate nutritional value is being delivered to the livestock. Such testing may also be a requirement of any Quality Assurance accreditation.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
Boots, hats/hard hat, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sun screen).

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise OHS risk?
The range of actions are both systematic and at an operational level. These are listed below:

What will be monitored during feed checks?
Feed checks need to ensure the livestock are fed the correct diets and amounts at the right time, with minimum wastage, and that feed is clean and accessible.

What would livestock reaction to feed include?
Development of wet faeces, feed time increases, body weight gain/drops, and increased mortality.

How might information be documented?
Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

What actions will require documentation?
Medicated feed offered to livestock nearing market age/weight. This will ensure withholding periods are adhered to.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in supervising nutrition and feeding in an intensive production system requires evidence that the ingredients selected for feeding the livestock are appropriate for their health and growth needs, and are supplied at the times and in the methods suited to the particular shed type that is in use.
The skills and knowledge required to supervise nutrition and feeding in an intensive production system must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across a range of different livestock classes.
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:

control of common diseases and preventative measures including the placement of medications in feed
growth and development in livestock
feed delivery systems and equipment
response to analysis of feed samples
the organisations sampling requirements and techniques
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and enterprise procedures/instructions
silo operations and configuration, machinery and operating practices
relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS, and the use and control of machinery and equipment
cleaning and storage of machinery, equipment and materials
enterprise recording and reporting procedures
least-cost diet formulation.

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:

effectively discuss feed and nutritional content with nutritionist and managers
identify a range of alternative available stockfeeds and suppliers
interpret laboratory result data
operate a range of feeding equipment
assess adequacy of feed storage and distribution systems
perform basic trouble shooting
recognise and rectify minor operational faults
read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets
interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents
measure and calculate volumes, consumption and lubrication requirements
complete the required records of feed use and livestock performance.

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:

control of common diseases and preventative measures including the placement of medications in feed
growth and development in livestock
feed delivery systems and equipment
response to analysis of feed samples
the organisations sampling requirements and techniques
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturers instructions and enterprise procedures/instructions
silo operations and configuration, machinery and operating practices
relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS, and the use and control of machinery and equipment
cleaning and storage of machinery, equipment and materials
enterprise recording and reporting procedures
least-cost diet formulation.

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:

effectively discuss feed and nutritional content with nutritionist and managers
identify a range of alternative available stockfeeds and suppliers
interpret laboratory result data
operate a range of feeding equipment
assess adequacy of feed storage and distribution systems
perform basic trouble shooting
recognise and rectify minor operational faults
read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets
interpret and apply task instructions, communicate with work team and supervisor, and record and report faults, workplace hazards and accidents
measure and calculate volumes, consumption and lubrication requirements
complete the required records of feed use and livestock performance.

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
Communicating with nutritionists and feed company personnel regarding formulations and nutrition. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
Communicating with nutritionists and feed company personnel regarding formulations and nutrition. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In collecting and preparing feed samples for analysis. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In collecting and preparing feed samples for analysis. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Planning and organising activities in the collection of feed samples. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Planning and organising activities in the collection of feed samples. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Working with teams and others in supervising workers to achieve desired outcomes. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Working with teams and others in supervising workers to achieve desired outcomes. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Using mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse and interpret feed data. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Using mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse and interpret feed data. (2)

Solving problems
In the case of suspected toxicities. (2)

Solving problems
In the case of suspected toxicities. (2)

Using technology
By using augers, feed weighing equipment, feeding systems, communication equipment and calculating equipment. (2)

Using technology
By using augers, feed weighing equipment, feeding systems, communication equipment and calculating equipment. (2)