SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage the rearing of poultry parent stock 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119493  Manage the rearing of poultry parent stock 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
To rear breeder males and females to achieve a body mass, frame development and health status that is conducive to high fertility and egg yields. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Rearing poultry parent stock level 2 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Drinkers, feed, ventilation, lighting equipment, environment, bedding, hygiene, floor space, house temperature, separate male and female diets, protective clothing PPE, face masks, vertical transmission of diseases, extremely stringent bio-security measures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The installation and testing of all equipment, prior to the arrival of males and females is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The allowances for feeding and watering space for the chicks is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons for the final disinfection of the rearing house prior to chick placement are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for separate rearing of males and females are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The necessity of adhering to strict bio-security procedures on the farm, is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The recording of all relevant data, as per company procedures is described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Conduct manure management to prevent the production of ammonia. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Moisture and temperature control, water management, cold spots, ammonia on respiratory tract membranes, coccidiosis, effect moisture on dust and ammonia in air, ventilation. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The effect that moisture levels in bedding have on the health of poultry breeding stock are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The effects that ammonia has on the health of poultry breeding stock are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Ventilate a rearing house to the requirements of breeders according to the increases in body mass. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Moisture and dust removal, growth processes, digestion, body heat/moisture production, body mass, air volume and speed, minimum/maximum ventilation, roof sprayers, mist sprayers, evaporative cooling, water balance, air velocity. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The effect that the body mass has on the ventilation requirements of poultry breeding stock is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The factors that affect the water balance in poultry breeding stock are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons why air velocity is measured at the entry points in mechanically ventilated buildings are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The effects that temperature extremes have on poultry breeding stock are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Supply feed to meet the particular growth phases of growing breeding stock. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Nutrients in feed, growth pattern, obesity, egg output, fertility, uniformity, multiple ovulations, feed allocation practices, testing of dump (batch) scales, sample size, bird migration, coefficient of variation, histogram of weight distributions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The accurate provision of nutrients to suit the requirements of the particular growth phases is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The calculation of feed allocation for the breeders at the various ages is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The calibration and testing of the feed weighing equipment is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The effects that obesity has on the egg yield and fertility are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The importance of even and rapid feed distribution to breeding stock is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The concept of 'uniformity' in breeding stock and the practices to enhance the uniformity are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The principals of the coefficient of variation, for the determination of the body mass uniformity of breeding stock are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
The importance of the sample sizing and the sampling positions, for the calculation of the coefficient of variation is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Apply lighting regimes for controlling the sexual maturity at a prescribed age. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Mode of action of light, level of illumination, photoperiod, testis and ovarium development. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons for the use of light schedules and stimulus at a specific age of breeders is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The effect that photoperiods have on the development of male and female reproductive organs is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Applying health programs for poultry breeding stock. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Bio-security, pathogens, bacteria, viruses, mycotoxins, protozoa, vaccination procedures, diseases of breeding stock, mortality disposals, post mortems, blue combs, feed refusal, snicking, bird noise, flightiness, feather pecking, lameness. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The internal organs most commonly affected by diseases of poultry breedingstock are identified. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The measures to prevent verticaly transmissible pathogens from infecting the breeding stock are detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons for using specific methods of vaccine administration for breeding stock are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The storage requirements and safe handling procedures for vaccines are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The abnormalities in the appearance and behaviour of breeding stock, that are indicators of stress or disease are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Collect data and manage the records of the breeding flocks. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Daily mortalities, accumulative mortality, feed records, body mass, environmental temperature, growth curves. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The graphical representations of the daily and weekly mortalities is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The interpretation of the trends that are indicated on the graphs is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The ability to suggest corrective actions for deviations from target growth curves is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reconciliation of feed consumption data against the feed orders is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
Manage the clean-out and the transfer of the breeders to the laying houses. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Handling procedures, stress, crating, bruises, sanitary equipment, bio-security. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct handling procedures to minimize stress on the breeders are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The extent of bio-security procedures that are necessary to ensure that minimal exposure to pathogens during transfer, is detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The processes for a clean-out as per company procedures are explained. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge be assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge, but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found, both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

  • UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock
  • Ventilate a rearing house to the requirements of breeders according to the increases in body mass
  • Supply feed to meet the particular growth phases of growing breeding stock
  • Applying health programs for poultry breeding stock
  • Collect data and manage the records of the breeding flocks 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.

    Refer to the following specific outcome:
  • Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock
  • Supply feed to meet the particular growth phases of growing breeding stock
  • Collect data and manage the records of the breeding flocks 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyze, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock
  • Conduct manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ventilate a rearing house to the requirements of breeders according to the increases in body mass
  • Supply feed to meet the particular growth phases of growing breeding stock
  • Applying health programs for poultry breeding stock
  • Collect data and manage the records of the breeding flocks 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock
  • Collect data and manage the records of the breeding flocks 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock
  • Conduct manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ventilate a rearing house to the requirements of breeders according to the increases in body mass
  • Supply feed to meet the particular growth phases of growing breeding stock
  • Apply lighting regimes for controlling the sexual maturity at a prescribed age
  • Applying health programs for poultry breeding stock
  • Collect data and manage the records of the breeding flocks
  • Manage the clean-out and the transfer of the breeders to the laying houses 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the rearing house to receive the breeding stock
  • Conduct manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ventilate a rearing house to the requirements of breeders according to the increases in body mass
  • Supply feed to meet the particular growth phases of growing breeding stock
  • Apply lighting regimes for controlling the sexual maturity at a prescribed age
  • Applying health programs for poultry breeding stock
  • Collect data and manage the records of the breeding flocks
  • Manage the clean-out and the transfer of the breeders to the laying houses 

  • UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49578   National Certificate: Poultry Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Astral Operations Limited 
    2. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.