anatomy of animals
The study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.
Animal artificial insemination technicians are in charge of the impregnation of an animal using collected semen, in accordance with national legislation.
Competences and skills
44 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
7 competencesanimal behaviour
The natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.
biosecurity related to animals
Awareness of hygiene and bio-security measures when working with animals, including causes, transmission and prevention of diseases and use of policies, materials and equipment.
cryopreservation
Cryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).
physiology of animals
The study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.
safe work practices in a veterinary setting
Safe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, equipment and working environment.
signs of animal illness
Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.
Cross-sector
2 competencesanimal welfare
Universally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
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animal welfare legislation
The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
- Scope note
- National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
Essential skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
7 competencescarry out artificial insemination of livestock
Carry out insemination ensuring excellent hygiene, prevention of injury, minimal discomfort, and welfare.
- Scope note
- This includes insemination of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Insemination of these species and others must be carried out in accordance with national legislation.
evaluate animal pregnancy
Perform pregnancy evaluation using common methods such as using on-farm milk progesterone test, treatment of non-pregnant cows with prostaglandin, and pregnancy diagnosis by uterine palpation. Check and confirm pregnancy and take appropriate action in relation to husbandry and reporting requirements.
evaluate semen
Ensure collected semen is of good quality and quantity. Examine semen, using a microscope, to evaluate density and motility of gametes. Dilute semen with prescribed diluents according to regulations.
handle frozen semen
Correctly identify, carefully handle and thaw the straws of frozen semen that have been kept in liquid nitrogen storage.
insert semen
Confirm observation of animals in heat to detect the approach of oestrus or comply with the synchronisation protocol. Insert the semen into the genital tract of the female animal using appropriate equipment and technique for species.
select semen for artificial insemination of animals
Select semen for animal artificial insemination according to the breeding program. Prepare sample and use the appropriate equipment and safe working practices.
store semen
Keep animal semen in reserve at the correct temperature and in accordance with production specifications.
Sector-specific
6 competencesadminister drugs to facilitate breeding
Administer specific drugs for synchronisation of breeding cycles to animals in accordance with veterinary and owner instructions. This includes the safe use and storage of drugs and equipment and record keeping.
apply animal hygiene practices
Plan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals, communicate site hygiene controls and protocols to others. Manage the safe disposal of waste according to destination and local regulations.
apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting
Apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, equipment and work environments.
assess animal behaviour
Observe and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'
maintain breeding equipment
Operate and care for the equipment used in breeding procedures. This includes, when disposable equipment is not used, effective cleaning and disinfection, in order to avoid transmission of diseases, and to ensure a high welfare standard of the animals.
manage animal biosecurity
Plan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working with animals, including recognising potential health issues and taking appropriate action, communicating site hygiene control measures and biosecurity procedures, as well as reporting to others.
Cross-sector
3 competenceshandle veterinary emergencies
Handle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.
maintain professional records
Produce and maintain records of work performed.
monitor the welfare of animals
Monitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of food and water and environmental conditions.
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Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesanimal production science
Animal nutrition, agronomy, rural economics, animal husbandry, hygiene and bio-security, ethology, protection and herd health management.
veterinary terminology
Spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary terms.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional skills and competences 17 competences
Occupation specific
5 competencescalculate optimal time for insemination
Calculate the best time for insemination through monitoring of female behaviour patterns and heat cycles.'
keep records of animal inseminations
Create and maintain records of animal inseminations including dates and other data.
plan animal breeding programmes
Plan a responsible animal breeding programme with a clearly defined purpose. Assess the needs of the animal and how they may be addressed or affected throughout the breeding programme. Communicate the breeding programme to those who will be involved in its implementation.
prepare livestock for artificial insemination
Correctly identify stock to be inseminated. Move stock to an appropriate area to be inseminated. Ensure that the work environment is suitable for the safe handling of animals and protection of operators.
select breeding stock
Select breeding stock in accordance with the breeding programme and where possible screen stock to minimise known genetic weaknesses.
Sector-specific
9 competencesassess animal's condition
Inspect the animal for any external signs of parasites, disease or injury. Use this information to determine own actions and report your findings to owners.
collaborate with animal related professionals
Collaborate with veterinary and other animal related professionals through communication of animal details, case records and summary reports orally or via written or electronic transfer.
cope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sector
Maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations such as a misbehaving animal. Work under pressure and adapt to the circumstances in a positive manner.'
develop an animal handling strategy
Develop plans and strategies to deal with the animal in order to achieve established goals and optimal results.'
interview animal owners on animals' conditions
Ask questions appropriate to the setting and purpose, with the aim to elicit accurate information on the animal's health condition, in order to facilitate a correct diagnosis.
make decisions regarding the animal's welfare
Make a choice from several alternative possibilities that promote the animal's well-being.
take advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary science
Use different channels and learning styles such as journals, courses, and conferences to obtain new information, knowledge, skills, and know-how in relation to working with animals.
treat animals ethically
Carry out activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong, including transparency in work practices and conduct towards clients and their animals.
understand the animal's situation
Categorise and verify information about the environment and its impact on the animal. Analyse the situation, such as what the animal may want or need.
Cross-sector
3 competencesdeal with challenging people
Work safely and communicate effectively with individuals and groups of people who are in challenging circumstances. This would include recognition of signs of aggression, distress, threatening and how to address them to promote personal safety and that of others.
follow work schedule
Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
inspect data
Analyse, transform and model data in order to discover useful information and to support decision-making.
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