Unit of competency
Modification History
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Release Number |
TP Version |
Comments |
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1 |
AHCv1.0 |
Initial release |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct the most efficient and humane mulesing procedure in circumstances where all alternative methods of breech flystrike prevention have been evaluated and mulesing is considered the most appropriate of these for the long-term welfare of the sheep.
This unit applies to sheep farmers and contractors in the livestock industry who normally operate under limited supervision.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts.
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.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil.
Unit Sector
Livestock (LSK)
Elements and Performance Criteria
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Element |
Performance criteria |
|
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1. Conduct pre-mulesing evaluations |
1.1 Identify and comply with relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and animal welfare standards and guidelines 1.2 Identify industry standards and guidelines 1.3 Seek expert advice and discuss alternative strategies to manage flystrike susceptibility prior to undertaking mulesing procedures 1.4 Confirm workplace requirements for use of mulesing 1.5 Conduct pre-operative evaluation of sheep 1.6 Assess risks associated with mulesing procedure and implement measures to control the risks such as using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment |
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2. Prepare for mulesing operations |
2.1 Identify and order all required supplies and equipment in advance 2.2 Monitor weather conditions to determine optimal conditions for operation and recovery of sheep from the procedure 2.3 Select suitable time of day for operation to minimise the separation time of lambs and ewes 2.4 Engage adequate number of skilled workers 2.5 Select appropriate yards, paddocks and pastures for each mob and each day to allow adequate time for mothering up of lambs after separation from the ewes 2.6 Use appropriate procedures for mustering, movement and handling so that stress to sheep is kept to a minimum 2.7 Allow lambs to settle and cool after yarding |
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3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment |
3.1 Maintain all equipment in clean, hygienic and working conditions to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection in sheep 3.2 Maintain cradles to be used for mulesing in good working condition and can be operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator or lamb, especially when loading and unloading 3.3 Set, grind and sharpen mulesing shears to working standards 3.4 Disinfect mulesing shears after sharpening, before use and between each animal 3.5 Prepare wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers for use 3.6 Prepare and test chemical application equipment to check for operational efficiency 3.7 Clean and disinfect all equipment at the end of operation and store appropriately to minimise contamination |
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4. Conduct mulesing procedures |
4.1 Conduct all procedures in accordance with work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements 4.2 Maintain a high standard of hygiene throughout the operation in relation to facilities, operators’ hands, handling and equipment 4.3 Handle lambs calmly and use appropriate restraints such as cradles 4.4 Perform mulesing procedure in accordance with model code of practice and industry standards 4.5 Apply pain relief to the wound immediately after the procedure in accordance with industry standards and legislative requirements, and following label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions 4.6 Apply insecticide dressing to the surrounding intact wool bearing skin (not the wound) immediately after the procedure in accordance with industry standards and following label and SDS instructions 4.7 Continually evaluate wound symmetry, size and position, and breaks in selvage (muscle fascia) 4.8 Remove lambs from cradles so they land gently on all four feet |
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5. Conduct post-mulesing management procedures |
5.1 Allow lambs, following release, to 'mother-up' to ewes as soon as possible 5.2 Provide immediate treatment for lambs that are abandoned or unable to stand or walk 5.3 Monitor lambs for abnormal signs such as infection and septicaemia 5.4 Maintain and update required documentation and records |
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range of Conditions
Unit Mapping Information
This unit is equivalent to AHCLSK334A Plan, prepare and conduct mulesing procedures
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72
