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ESCO occupation

cattle breeder

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Cattle breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of cattle. They maintain the health and welfare of cattle.

6121.1 ISCO 6121 ESCO source
Competences
47
Groups
4
Essential
30
Optional
17

Competences and skills

47 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 6 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
livestock reproduction

The natural and artificial reproduction techniques, gestation periods and birthing for livestock.

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livestock species

Livestock species and relevant genetics.

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signs of animal illness

Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
animal 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.

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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.
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health and safety regulations

Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.

green
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Essential skills and competences 24 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
breed cattle

Prepare a suitable environment for cattle breeding. Select and prepare the appropriate habitats for specific kinds of cattle. Monitor the cattle's growth and health and ensure correct feeding. Determinate when the cattle are ready for consumption, trade or other purposes

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Sector-specific

21 competences
administer 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.

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administer treatment to animals

Administer animal medical interventions, including the treatments performed, medicines used, and assessments of the state of health.'

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
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create animal records

Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.

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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.

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feed livestock

Calculate feed rations for all stages of growth and prepare, distribute and control quality of fodder

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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milk animals

Milk cows and other farm animals, manually or using mechanical means.

Scope note
Applies to cattle, sheep and goat
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monitor livestock

Monitor and record the production and the welfare of the livestock.

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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.

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perform milk control

Carry out controlling the quality and quantity of the milk following biosecurity regulations.

Scope note
Applies to cattle, sheep and goat
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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.
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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.'

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select livestock

Tag, sort and separate animals by purpose and destination taking into account the condition of the animal and relevant legislation

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Cross-sector

2 competences
maintain professional records

Produce and maintain records of work performed.

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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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ESCO source
Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
computerised feeding systems

The functioning of computered controlled systems that provide animal feeding.

digital
ESCO source

Cross-sector

1 competence
animal 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.

green
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 15 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
breed 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.

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Sector-specific

13 competences
advise customers on appropriate pet care

Provide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.

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advise on animal purchase

Advise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.

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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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advise on livestock productivity

Advise on improving livestock health and productivity, strengthening efficiency and value of the livestock by using appropriate methods and taking into account the livestock species.

Scope note
This may include advice on nutrition and reference to professional guidance such as veterinary services.
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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.'

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assess animal nutrition

Assess the nutrition status of animals, diagnose dietary imbalances and prescribe correction.

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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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breed ostriches

Prepare a suitable environment for ostrich breeding. Select and prepare the appropriate habitats for specific kinds of ostriches. Monitor the ostrich's growth and health and ensure correct feeding. Identify when the ostriches are ready for consumptional, trade or other purposes.

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implement exercise activities for animals

Provide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'

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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.

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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.
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train livestock and captive animals

Train animals to facilitate their routine husbandry, for treatment, and/or public demonstrations.

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work with veterinarians

Consult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
maintain equipment

Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.

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