livestock reproduction
The natural and artificial reproduction techniques, gestation periods and birthing for livestock.
Sheep breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of sheep. They maintain the health and welfare of sheep.
Competences and skills
44 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competenceslivestock species
Livestock species and relevant genetics.
signs of animal illness
Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.
Cross-sector
3 competencesanimal nutrition
Aspects of how different animal species are fed and provided water. Different types of animal food, the quality criteria for animal food and methods to feed and give water to animals.
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.
health and safety regulations
Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.
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Essential skills and competences 24 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencebreed sheep
Prepare a suitable environment for sheep breeding. Select and prepare the appropriate habitats for specific kinds of sheep. Monitor the sheep's growth and health and ensure correct feeding. Determinate when the sheep are ready for trade, consuption or other purposes.
Sector-specific
21 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.
administer treatment to animals
Administer animal medical interventions, including the treatments performed, medicines used, and assessments of the state of health.'
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.
assist animal birth
Assist in animal births, and care for newborn livestock. Make sure the animal has a clean and quiet place where it can give birth. Have clean drying towels handy at hand and a bottle filled with iodine.
assist in transportation of animals
Assist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transport process.
care for juvenile animals
Assess the needs of the offspring and juvenile animals. Take appropriate action without delay in case of problems with the health of the offspring or juvenile.
- Scope note
- This may include any methods for artificial rearing.
conduct shearing of wool
Carry out sheep or goat wool shearing and initial processing and packaging as appropriate. Work with the shearers to reach standards described in the farm policy manual.
control animal movement
Direct, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.
- Scope note
- "Restrain" includes physical and mechanical means, and/or the use of chemical means under veterinary direction.
create animal records
Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.
dispose of dead animals
Dispose of dead animals which are not considered a source of meat. Bury or cremate the animal based on the wishes of the owners or on other criteria.
feed livestock
Calculate feed rations for all stages of growth and prepare, distribute and control quality of fodder
maintain animal accommodation hygienic
Make sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.
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.
manage livestock
Plan production programmes, birth plans, sales, feed purchase orders, materials, equipment, housing, location and stock management. Plan the destruction of relevant animals in humane manner and in accordance with national legislation. Follow businesses requirements and integration into qualitative research and knowledge transfer.
manage the health and welfare of livestock
Assess the current health status of your livestock. Manage any existing disease or disorder, including the requirements for isolation of livestock. Plan and manage a livestock health and welfare plan including clearly defined targets, consulting with specialists/advisers where appropriate. Work closely with the veterinary surgeon and other specialist consultants/advisers.
monitor livestock
Monitor and record the production and the welfare of the livestock.
operate farm equipment
Supervise the smooth running of farm equipment which can include high pressure cleaning equipment, heating or air conditioning and monitor the temperature of premises. Make sure tractors and other vehicles are running smoothly. Interpret instructions given by computer programs and report simple operations.
process dairy farm products
Carry out on-farm processing of diary products using appropriate methods and equipment, following food hygiene regulations.
- Scope note
- Applies to cattle, sheep and goat.
provide first aid to animals
Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians prior to first-aid provided by a veterinarian. Non-veterinarians providing emergency treatment are expected to seek treatment by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Scope note
- Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought.
provide nutrition to animals
Provide food and water to animals. This includes preparing food and water for animals and reporting any changes in the animal feeding or drinking habits.'
select livestock
Tag, sort and separate animals by purpose and destination taking into account the condition of the animal and relevant legislation
Cross-sector
2 competencesmaintain 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
1 competencecomputerised feeding systems
The functioning of computered controlled systems that provide animal feeding.
digital
Cross-sector
1 competenceanimal 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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Optional skills and competences 12 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencebreed goats
Prepare a suitable environment for goat breeding. Select and prepare the appropriate habitats for specific kinds of goats. Monitor the goat's growth and health and ensure correct feeding.
Sector-specific
10 competencesadvise customers on appropriate pet care
Provide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.
advise on animal purchase
Advise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.
advise on animal welfare
Prepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommendations for corrective actions.
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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.'
assess animal nutrition
Assess the nutrition status of animals, diagnose dietary imbalances and prescribe correction.
assess management of animals
Evaluate the management of a wide range of animals including the care, welfare and housing environment of animals in a zoo, wildlife park, stable, farm or animal research facility.
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implement exercise activities for animals
Provide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'
maintain welfare of animals during transportation
Keep the health and welfare of animals during transportation, including frequent monitoring for signs of stress and symptoms of ill health.
train livestock and captive animals
Train animals to facilitate their routine husbandry, for treatment, and/or public demonstrations.
work with veterinarians
Consult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.
Cross-sector
1 competencemaintain equipment
Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.