Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:08 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Manage equine nutrition

Manage equine nutrition

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPHR504
State Code
BAL69
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit applies to owners, managers and supervisors of equine enterprises with responsibility for the management of the nutritional requirements of a diverse range of performance horses. It covers all aspects of feeding plan development, implementation and monitoring as well as the selection and management of pasture for horses.The work functions within this unit require the demonstration of ration formulation based on digestive physiology and anatomy, scientific evidence, industry practice, and the identification of and appropriate response to nutritional-related disorders. This unit applies to individuals working in all horse industry sectors including training and competition centres, stud farms, agistment centres and riding schools.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine the nutritional requirements of horses
  • 1.1 Identify credible sources of information on equine nutrition relevant to enterprise needs including scientific and technical literature, historical records and industry practice information
  • 1.2 Analyse research findings to determine credibility, relevance and currency of information
  • 1.3 Determine the nutritional needs of horses of various classes based on research findings relevant to enterprise requirements
  • 1.4 Apply relevant research findings to the management of enterprise nutrition practices
2. Manage ingredients for horse rations
  • 2.1 Identify suitable nutrients for inclusion in an equine diet according to the individual needs of each horse, availability, quality and cost
  • 2.2 Organise for laboratory testing to determine the quality and quantities of ingredients required for ration formulation
  • 2.3 Implement safe, secure and hygienic storage of feed and ingredients
  • 2.4 Calibrate measuring equipment and calculate quantities at regular intervals
3. Formulate and modify effective feeding plans, rations and methods
  • 3.1 Develop a feeding plan to supply nutritional requirements to meet appropriate horse condition, performance and health outcomes
  • 3.2 Formulate rations on the basis of identified nutritional requirements, digestive physiology and anatomy, and availability of feedstuffs
  • 3.3 Implement feeding methods and techniques to support natural feeding behaviours
  • 3.4 Adapt feeding plan to respond to variations in nutritional requirements and seasonal conditions
  • 3.5 Apply a cost-effective approach to sourcing and supplying required nutrients
  • 3.6 Assess and manage the environmental impacts of supplying feedstuffs
4. Monitor and manage the feeding of horses
  • 4.1 Supply rations to horses according to enterprise schedules and requirements
  • 4.2 Ensure feeding records and feed orders are maintained, monitored and prepared according to enterprise requirements
  • 4.3 Monitor the implementation of the program using appropriate measures to ensure the goals of the feeding plan are achieved
  • 4.4 Monitor and document reactions to changes in feed types, ingredients or schedules
  • 4.5 Develop and implement a plan to manage documented adverse reactions to rations
  • 4.6 Monitor, review and record the feeding plan and implement improvements and adjustments as required
5. Evaluate health implications of feeding plans, rations and methods
  • 5.1 Monitor the health of horses for signs of inadequate nutrition or nutrition-related diseases
  • 5.2 Research and implement solutions for identified nutrition-related health problems and seek veterinarian or professional advice where necessary
  • 5.3 Implement alternative feed regimes, diets or methods to counter the effects of poor nutrition
  • 5.4 Implement strategies to prevent the development of nutrition-related diseases
6. Manage pasture for horses
  • 6.1 Identify and select pasture species on the basis of nutritional value, persistence under grazing by horses and environmental requirements
  • 6.2 Identify the deleterious effects of pasture species for various classes of horses and develop a management strategy to ensure herd health
  • 6.3 Identify and remove plants poisonous to horses from pastures and areas accessed by horses
  • 6.4 Develop and implement a pasture management plan to maximise nutritional value, minimise negative health impacts and minimise negative environmental impact
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD68 ACMPHR504 Manage equine nutrition Unit of competency
No information