Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:02 PM 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.

Carry out alpaca handling and husbandry operations

Carry out alpaca handling and husbandry operations

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK215A
State Code
D6945
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/12/2011
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
22/12/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of moving and controlling alpacas using basic handling methods and procedures and defines the standard required to: prepare handling areas, gates and access routes for alpaca movement; monitor and anticipate alpaca behaviour in handling operations; identify, sort, move and control alpacas for handling and husbandry operations; use correct equipment and calming and humane methods to minimise undue stress and risk to alpacas or handlers; recognise and report signs of unusual behaviour, unhealthy animals or abnormal conditions.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for handling alpacas
  • 1.1. Alpaca handling areas, gates and access routes are identified, prepared and maintained according to enterprise requirements.
  • 1.2. Alpacas are located and identified for handling according to supervisor instructions.
  • 1.3. Behavioural characteristics of alpacas are observed and anticipated, and appropriate handling methods are selected.
  • 1.4. Handling equipment is selected, checked for soundness and prepared for use according to manufacturer and supervisor instructions.
  • 1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the workplace are recognised and reported to supervisor, and action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.
  • 1.6. Hazards to animals are recognised and reported to supervisor, and action is taken to minimise risks to animals.
  • 1.7. Site quarantine and other biosecurity protocols are observed.
2. Handle alpacas
  • 2.1. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to OHS requirements.
  • 2.2. Procedures to control and sort alpacas are followed according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.
  • 2.3. Alpacas are classified according to age, sex and husbandry tasks to be performed.
  • 2.4. Restraint procedures are carried out with minimum stress and discomfort to alpacas, and according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.
  • 2.5. Alpacas are transported when required according to animal welfare requirements.
  • 2.6. Alpaca behaviour is continually monitored and anticipated during moving and handling processes to ensure wellbeing of alpacas and safety of handlers.
  • 2.7. Alpaca count is conducted and recorded according to enterprise requirements.
  • 2.8. Environmental impacts of alpaca handling and husbandry tasks are recognised and reported to supervisor.
3. Carry out basic alpaca husbandry tasks
  • 3.1. All basic alpaca husbandry is carried out according to enterprise, OHS and animal welfare requirements.
  • 3.2. Unhealthy stock and abnormal conditions and/or behaviour are identified and reported to supervisor.
  • 3.3. Stock is fed and adequate clean water is provided.
  • 3.4. Plants poisonous to alpacas are recognised and reported to supervisor.
4. Complete alpaca handling activities
  • 4.1. Alpaca husbandry tasks are completed as instructed, and gates and access routes are prepared for alpacas' departure according to enterprise requirements
  • 4.2. Handling areas and equipment are cleaned and maintained and surplus materials are stored according to OHS and enterprise requirements.
  • 4.3. Handling area maintenance requirements and equipment faults or malfunctions are detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.
  • 4.4. Alpaca residues and waste are disposed of according to OHS and enterprise environmental practices.
  • 4.5. Relevant information about particular animals and the husbandry tasks performed is recorded and reported according to enterprise requirements.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Alpacas may include:
all types and strains.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
prepare handling areas, gates and access routes for alpaca movement
monitor and anticipate alpaca behaviour in handling operations
identify, sort, move and control alpacas for handling and husbandry operations
use correct equipment, and calming and humane methods to minimise undue stress and risk to alpacas or handlers
recognise and report signs of unusual behaviour, unhealthy animals or abnormal conditions.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAQ08 AHCLSK215 Carry out alpaca handling and husbandry operations Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D451 AHC20110 Certificate II in Agriculture Qualification