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.

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

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

What organisation and regulatory requirements might impact on the production system?
All work should be performed in accordance with enterprise Standard Operating Procedures and with reference to the quality assurance manual. In addition, legislation and regulations covering OHS, animal health and welfare, environmental and waste management, staff and contractor engagement, and water use must be followed.

What conditions are to be considered for livestock?
Livestock density and space, feed space, air capacity, line speed, feed distribution times, and environmental conditions.

When would post mortems be carried out?
They will be carried out as a part of daily unit routines with samples and specialist assistance being called when non-routine symptoms are observed.

What is specific in regard to poultry flocks?
Where laying hens are under production, moulting may be induced to extend productive laying life using appropriate feed and lighting regimes, and is structured to reflect welfare codes of practice.

What common disease conditions may be readily identified?
In pigs, they are scours, mange, pneumonia, erysipelas, Glasser's disease, streptococcus suis and swine dysentery. In chickens and hens they may be fowl pox, Marek's disease, chronic respiratory disease and coccidiosis.

What are the components of the quarantine procedures?
They include perimeter fencing, rodent and wildlife control, visitor policy/showering/clothing, and the control of interactions with feed trucks/market.

What might aspects of the internal environment include?
Aspects such as humidity, light, temperature variations and air quality.

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

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

What organisation and regulatory requirements might impact on the production system?
All work should be performed in accordance with enterprise Standard Operating Procedures and with reference to the quality assurance manual. In addition, legislation and regulations covering OHS, animal health and welfare, environmental and waste management, staff and contractor engagement, and water use must be followed.

What conditions are to be considered for livestock?
Livestock density and space, feed space, air capacity, line speed, feed distribution times, and environmental conditions.

When would post mortems be carried out?
They will be carried out as a part of daily unit routines with samples and specialist assistance being called when non-routine symptoms are observed.

What is specific in regard to poultry flocks?
Where laying hens are under production, moulting may be induced to extend productive laying life using appropriate feed and lighting regimes, and is structured to reflect welfare codes of practice.

What common disease conditions may be readily identified?
In pigs, they are scours, mange, pneumonia, erysipelas, Glasser's disease, streptococcus suis and swine dysentery. In chickens and hens they may be fowl pox, Marek's disease, chronic respiratory disease and coccidiosis.

What are the components of the quarantine procedures?
They include perimeter fencing, rodent and wildlife control, visitor policy/showering/clothing, and the control of interactions with feed trucks/market.

What might aspects of the internal environment include?
Aspects such as humidity, light, temperature variations and air quality.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in implementing and monitoring intensive production systems requires evidence that environmentally sensitive effluent disposal systems are in place and being used properly, and that the maximum production output is being achieved while animals are being dealt with in a humane way.
The skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor intensive production systems must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across the range of breeds and classes of livestock.
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:

common livestock diseases and clinical signs
quarantine policies and herd/flock health status
relevant industry, environmental and quality standards (inc ISO9002:1094)
animal welfare codes of practice and procedures
differences between a range of production systems
types of sheds and production systems
livestock husbandry and management practices
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

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:

calculate and predict effluent volumes and components to manage effluent sustainability
perform routine hygiene maintenance activities
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
establish processes/strategies, procedure and controls for livestock production
interpret, analyse and extract information from such things as professional literature, organisation plans and programs, discussions and workshops
calculate and analyse production outputs for unit and volume of effluent.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard
RTE4114A Plan and monitor intensive production systems

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:

common livestock diseases and clinical signs
quarantine policies and herd/flock health status
relevant industry, environmental and quality standards (inc ISO9002:1094)
animal welfare codes of practice and procedures
differences between a range of production systems
types of sheds and production systems
livestock husbandry and management practices
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
relevant OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

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:

calculate and predict effluent volumes and components to manage effluent sustainability
perform routine hygiene maintenance activities
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
establish processes/strategies, procedure and controls for livestock production
interpret, analyse and extract information from such things as professional literature, organisation plans and programs, discussions and workshops
calculate and analyse production outputs for unit and volume of effluent.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard
RTE4114A Plan and monitor intensive production systems

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
In discussing responsibilities, targets and programs with staff, contractors and management. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
In discussing responsibilities, targets and programs with staff, contractors and management. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In tracking, monitoring and analysing production figures and effluent output. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In tracking, monitoring and analysing production figures and effluent output. (2)

Planning and organising activities
In planning the organising of staff, contractors and resources to achieve specified goals and targets. (2)

Planning and organising activities
In planning the organising of staff, contractors and resources to achieve specified goals and targets. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In monitoring and achieving production targets. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In monitoring and achieving production targets. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In analysing and calculating spaces, volumes, targets and times. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In analysing and calculating spaces, volumes, targets and times. (2)

Solving problems
In reviewing disparities between actual and achieved production rates. (2)

Solving problems
In reviewing disparities between actual and achieved production rates. (2)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during the planning and implementation of the system - communication technology, calculating equipment, measuring equipment, and word processing/spreadsheeting software. (2)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during the planning and implementation of the system - communication technology, calculating equipment, measuring equipment, and word processing/spreadsheeting software. (2)