Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:37 AM AWST

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Provide general care of mammals

Provide general care of mammals

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMSPE320
State Code
ODC35
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify placental mammals and their behavioural and physical needs and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for placental mammals. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify mammals
  • 1.1 Define the habitat, activity cycle and general features of placental mammals commonly housed in the facility
  • 1.2 Identify and describe external features using industry terminology
  • 1.3 Classify placental mammals according to taxonomy
  • 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • 2.1 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour
  • 2.2 Recognise signs of distressed mammals and report to supervisor
  • 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
  • 2.4 Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements
  • 2.5 Implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific species
3. Catch, handle and restrain mammals
  • 3.1 Identify workplace health and safety hazards associated with handling and restraining mammals
  • 3.2 Implement methods to minimise safety risks and select and use appropriate personal protective equipment
  • 3.3 Approach, catch and restrain mammals safely, using low stress handling techniques and equipment to minimise risks to the animal and others
4. Assist with health care needs
  • 4.1 Identify signs of good health in mammals
  • 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
  • 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement in accordance with level of job responsibility
5. Feed mammals
  • 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to mammal-specific feeding routines and diets
  • 5.2 Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability
  • 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
  • 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs
  • 5.5 Distribute food
6. Maintain records
  • 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities
  • 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor
  • 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licenses and transport, where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE29 ACMSPE310 Provide basic care of mammals Unit of competency