Skills are being reviewed due to a range of new technologies being accessible to increase the productivity of breeding programs, building on skills farmers have used for generations. Technologies such as sensors, trackers and ultrasound equipment are being used to identify breeding objectives, genetic influences, animal soundness and animal breeding health, helping promote better animal welfare outcomes, efficiency and sustainability.
Current qualifications, a skill set and units for livestock reproduction have been reviewed and updated with the help of subject matter experts. The revised drafts are now available for your review and comment.
We are seeking your feedback on whether they reflect the current skills standards and practices, and whether job functions are accurately described. Feedback is especially sought from those with specialist knowledge relating to the following areas:
- Pregnancy testing animals
- Collecting semen
- Conducting dropped ovary technique procedures for spaying cattle
- Artificially inseminating poultry
- Mating and monitoring reproduction of alpacas
Your input will help ensure future generations of farmers have the skills required to work with a range of technologies and equipment use to manage animal reproduction.
To have your say, visit the project page.