Course Description
This course is interactive and hands-on with practical instruction on pregnancy testing livestock using rectal palpation and ultrasound. Practice on live cows and receive immediate feedback from an experienced trainer and Breeding Technician. On completion of the course, students will have pregnancy tested twenty (20) cows during different stages of gestation with an expected 95% accuracy rate.
NOTE – this course does not include pregnancy testing of horses.
Course Outcome
AHCLSK339 Pregnancy test livestock
(Unit Release 1 – 15/02/2022)
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for pregnancy testing, arrange pregnancy testing support, carry out pregnancy testing, and post testing procedures in livestock.
The unit applies to individuals who pregnancy test livestock by rectal palpation or ultrasound under broad direction, and take responsibility for their own work.
This unit is not to be used for pregnancy testing of horses.
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 sustainability and biosecurity practices.
In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
Regulatory requirements apply in some jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant State or Territory regulatory authority.
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.
No occupational licensing or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit of competency at the time of publication.
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 three days and as per the schedule below unless specified otherwise. Please contact Orion Training for more information on the duration and schedule of this course.
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 pregnancy testing 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, there must be evidence that the individual has successfully pregnancy tested livestock during different stages of gestation using ultrasound or manual pregnancy testing techniques on a minimum of twenty animals with an accuracy of 95%, and has:
- planned and prepared for pregnancy testing
- applied workplace animal welfare practices
- identified risks and applied relevant workplace health and safety and environmental and biosecurity legislation, regulations, and workplace procedures
- drafted livestock and sourced information on joining to assist in pregnancy testing
- coordinated and arranged support for pregnancy testing
- restrained livestock for pregnancy testing using humane methods and facilities
- carried out ultrasound or manual pregnancy testing procedures according to animal welfare practices
- maintain records of pregnancy testing and litter size where applicable
- monitored livestock after pregnancy testing.
Training Cost
The total cost is based on the location of the course – please contact Orion Training. 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 pregnancy testing practice is completed using a cow simulator. 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
