Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

Which animals does this competency standard cover?
Animals covered by this standard may include cattle, horses, goats and pigs.

How is colostrum collected from donor animals?
Teats or udders of donor animal are washed. Colostrum is expressed gently and without causing distress to the donor animal in accordance with animal welfare principles. Colostrum is usually collected from cows by milking machine.

What feeding equipment may be required?
Feeding equipment may include bottles, teats, tubing and buckets.

Which animals does this competency standard cover?
Animals covered by this standard may include cattle, horses, goats and pigs.

How is colostrum collected from donor animals?
Teats or udders of donor animal are washed. Colostrum is expressed gently and without causing distress to the donor animal in accordance with animal welfare principles. Colostrum is usually collected from cows by milking machine.

What feeding equipment may be required?
Feeding equipment may include bottles, teats, tubing and buckets.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in collecting, storing and administering colostrum requires evidence that colostrum is obtained and prepared according to enterprise standards. Collection and storing activities must maintain the quality of the colostrum.
The skills and knowledge required to collect, store and administer colostrum must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, working with animals of different species.
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:

the time periods after parturition in which colostrum can be collected from donor animals
the time periods during which newborn animals must receive feeds of colostrum
the nutrition requirements of newborn animals and the reasons for feeding colostrum
the behavioural characteristics of animals that have just given birth.

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:

filter colostrum
prepare artificial colostrum
handle animals after parturition
handle and feed new born animals
observe health and condition of newborn animals.

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:

the time periods after parturition in which colostrum can be collected from donor animals
the time periods during which newborn animals must receive feeds of colostrum
the nutrition requirements of newborn animals and the reasons for feeding colostrum
the behavioural characteristics of animals that have just given birth.

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:

filter colostrum
prepare artificial colostrum
handle animals after parturition
handle and feed new born animals
observe health and condition of newborn animals.

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 supervisor regarding daily routines and collection of colostrum. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
Communicating with supervisor regarding daily routines and collection of colostrum. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Obtaining information about animals that have recently birthed and selecting appropriate animals for colostrum collection. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Obtaining information about animals that have recently birthed and selecting appropriate animals for colostrum collection. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In organising daily work routines for observing newborn animals and checking on those animals requiring supplementary feeds. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In organising daily work routines for observing newborn animals and checking on those animals requiring supplementary feeds. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Working with teams and others in monitoring the health and welfare of newborn animals. (0)

Working with others and in teams
Working with teams and others in monitoring the health and welfare of newborn animals. (0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculating quantities of colostrum to be administered and quantities available. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculating quantities of colostrum to be administered and quantities available. (1)

Solving problems
Identifying newborn animals requiring assistance, including those requiring supplementary feeds of colostrum. (2)

Solving problems
Identifying newborn animals requiring assistance, including those requiring supplementary feeds of colostrum. (2)

Using technology
Using technology in operating feeding equipment, and in storing and thawing colostrum or preparing artificial colostrum (2)

Using technology
Using technology in operating feeding equipment, and in storing and thawing colostrum or preparing artificial colostrum (2)