Course Description
Orion’s objective is to increase the number of qualified, professional AI technicians in Australia as well as skilling farmers in DIY artificial insemination of livestock. The course is interactive and hands-on with practical instruction on the insemination process. Practice on live cows and receive immediate feedback from an experience trainer and AI Technician.
Course Outcome
AHCAIS304 Artificially Inseminate Livestock
(Unit Release 1 – 15/2/2022)
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and artificially inseminate livestock, complete documentation and records, and complete work. The unit applies to individuals who artificially inseminate livestock under broad direction, and take responsibility for their own work. Upon successful completion of the training and assessment process, Students are issued with a Statement of Attainment in the unit of competency AHCAIS304 Artificial Insemination of Livestock.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Orion Training holds Animal Ethics Committee approval in NSW, QLD and Victoria based on our training practices that ensure the safe handling of livestock.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, health and safety in the workplace requirements, animal welfare legislative, regulatory and codes of practice requirements, and biosecurity practices.
Accreditation requirements apply in some jurisdictions to perform commercial artificial insemination (AI). For further information, check with the relevant State or Territory regulatory authority for your area.
Entry Requirements
There are no pre-requisites for this course however students will need to meet the following entry requirements:
- AQF level II written and spoken English;
- Numeracy skills to meet the Foundation skills required for this unit of competency;
- Completion of a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment;
- General knowledge and practical skills gained through vocational experience in farming; and
- Access to a computer (device) and internet to complete the online training component.
Training Duration and Schedule
Students complete preliminary online learning in their own time and location prior to attendance on-site. The practical component is delivered over two and a half days and as per the schedule below unless specified otherwise.
| DAY | SESSION | TRAINING ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| Day 1
|
Session 1 Morning | · Theory | · Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the cow, reproduction in cows and insemination technique (no cow access required) |
| Session 2 Afternoon | · Practical
· Theory |
· Practice passing insemination gun through reproductive organs (abattoir specimens used)
· Hygiene and diseases of importance when inseminating · AI – improving genetics, production, quality of Australian dairy and beef herds |
|
| Day 2
|
Session 1 Morning | · Demonstration
· Practice |
· Preparing for insemination
· Insemination equipment · Gun loading · Insemination practice on live cows |
| Session 2 Afternoon | · Theory
· Demonstration · Practice |
· Semen storage, handling and thawing
· Straw identification and semen inventory · Maintenance and safety with liquid nitrogen tanks |
|
| Day 3 | Session 1
Morning |
· Theory
· Demonstration · Practice |
· Heat detection, heat synchronisation and breeding programs
· Insemination practice and assessment |
Training Venue and Delivery Mode
Students complete work-related training and assessment activities in an appropriate training facility or livestock farm using a face a face approach with their trainer.
The courses are delivered throughout regions of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Courses may take place at professional facilities where insemination training is already conducted and the required facilities and equipment are in place and available. Additional programs are conducted on individual farms that meet the facility and equipment requirements for training as well as strict requirements of Animal Ethics and all other relevant legislation in that State.
Student candidates will be offered a place in the nearest course to their locality or in their preferred location. Confirmation of delivery location will be provided via email.
Assessment
To demonstrate competency in this unit, a student must successfully artificially inseminate at least ten separate animals with an accuracy of over 85 percent, and must accomplish the following:
- prepared for insemination
- prepared equipment and work sites
- identified and controlled potential hazards and risks according to workplace procedures
- followed relevant workplace health and safety and environmental and biosecurity legislation, regulations and workplace procedures
- followed workplace animal welfare and hygiene practices
- correctly selected and thawed semen for insemination
- restrained and inseminated animals using species specific techniques and recognised methods that reduce stress
- completed documentation and records
- cleaned work area and equipment.
Live insemination procedures will be observed and overseen by a professional AI technician and qualified Trainer.
Training Cost
The total cost is $1,200 per person. Fees will be invoiced in advance and must be paid by the agreed party prior to the commencement of the course. Please refer to the Orion Student Handbook for further information about payment terms, refunds, and complaints and appeals policies.
Course Materials and Equipment
To complete the preliminary online activities, Students will need access to a computer and reliable internet. On-site training incorporates a comprehensive theoretical component. Orion will provide Students with learning and assessment materials to complete the theory and the written final assessment requirements.
Practical training and insemination practice is completed using a Haptic cow simulator and/or Breeding Betsy as well as silicone reproductive tracts and abattoir tracts. Orion will provide all necessary training facilities and equipment to undertake the mandatory practical training and assessment activities.
Ordinarily, Students are not required to provide any materials or equipment in order to undertake training and assessment. However, where a training venue stipulates a need for Students to bring a specific item, Students will be notified prior to the scheduled start date.
Student Handbook
