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.

What
Sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, horses, beef and dairy cattle.

What procedures might be involved in the
Procedures may include halter training, leading, grooming, clipping, care of hooves and horns, special feed supplementation, presentation techniques, use of show equipment, special transport requirements, avoidance of stress, and show protocols.

What
Instructions may include the identity of livestock and location, feed and water requirements, handling requirements, health and welfare considerations, procedures for use of facilities, handling and grooming equipment, and procedures and requirements for competition standard grooming and breed standards.

What information might be included
Records may detail feed requirements, type, feed supplements, rate and frequency of feeding, quality and quantity of water supplies, and details of replenished supplies.

What
SOP, industry standards, production schedules, MSDS, work notes and plans, product labels, manufacturers specifications, operators manuals, enterprise policies and procedures (including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines), and supervisors oral or written instructions.

How might the
Health and welfare may be determined by the general observance of livestock behaviour, condition and wellbeing.

What
Facilities may include pens, sheds, paddocks and troughs.

What
Safe systems and procedures for:
livestock handling including zoonoses control (Q Fever)
the operation of handling equipment
hazard and risk control
manual handling including lifting
outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, dust and noise
the appropriate use and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

What
Livestock movement and handling, solar radiation, organic and other dusts, hazardous noise, moving machinery and vehicles.

What equipment might be used to
Equipment may include rings, halters, combs, vacuums, brushes, driers, clippers, preparations applied externally or supplements taken orally, and restraining devices of a non-fibrillating nature.

What type of
Production evaluation trials, agricultural shows, livestock production trials, fleece competitions, sire reference schemes, carcass competitions, and livestock sales.

What
Livestock behaviour and abnormalities, equipment faults and malfunctions, and showing details and outcomes.

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 this unit requires evidence of the ability to provide livestock feed and water requirements, demonstrate safe and humane handling and grooming techniques, and present livestock to competition standards. It involves the ability to interpret and apply task instructions, prepare livestock facilities, use and maintain handling and grooming equipment, train livestock for showing, monitor health and wellbeing status, and anticipate livestock behaviour.
The skills and knowledge required to prepare livestock for competition must be transferable to another environment. For example, if competence is evident in preparing beef cattle for showing at production evaluation trials, it must also be evident for showing sheep in an agricultural show context.

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 with regard to livestock preparation and grooming requirements may be discussed with competition organisers and the supervisor.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?
Information with regard to breeding and production measurement may be detailed and organised by livestock records.
How are activities planned and organised (2)?
Livestock grooming preparation may be planned and conducted around feeding routines and showing schedules
How can team work (2) be applied?
Team work may be applied in methods and procedures to handle and prepare livestock for presentation.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
Mathematics may be applied in the measurement and calculation of feed requirements and herd/flock numbers.
How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?
Positive and calming handling techniques to settle distressed livestock during preparation may be required to minimise disruption to competition schedules.
How can the use of technology (1) be applied?
To communicate and record livestock data.

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