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 pullets for table egg production 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119381  Manage the rearing of pullets for table egg production 
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 pullets to achieve the optimum body mass, frame development and health status for high egg yields. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Health and Safety level 3. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Protective clothing (PPE), face masks,drinkers, paper sheets, feeding equipment, fumigation, floor space, house temperature controls, temperature decreases with age, disease-causing organisms, wet and dry bulb thermometers, ventilation settings. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct installation and testing of all equipment is described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Feed and water availability for chickens on arrival.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for the final fumigation and airing of the poultry house, prior to the placement of the chicks are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons why the temperature and ventilation controls are adjusted to suit the specific pullet age are
explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Temperature and Ventilation as per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons why the recording of the rearing conditions data is necessary, are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Record keeping as per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The logging of the temperature and humidity readings from a wet/dry bulb thermometer is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Moisture and temperature control, mucous membranes of respiratory tract, water management, cold spots, ammonia in air, test kits. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons for measuring the ammonia concentration in the air are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Compare figures to acceptable limits, as per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The effect that harmful levels of ammonia have on the health of pullet is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Ensure that sufficient water is supplied to maintain the health and body temperature of pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Mucous membranes, cilia, bacterial infections, panting, temperature regulation. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The role that water plays during the pullets panting is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The pullets dependence on water for maintaining the mucous membranes is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The role that water plays in the management of health in pullets is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental conditions that will ensure the optimum growth and sexual development of pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Heat/moisture production, factors affecting efficiency of feed utilization, body mass, environmental temperature, air volume and speed, cold draughts, air mixing, minimum/maximum ventilation, moisture, dust and ammonia removal, evaporative cooling, constant and changing photoperiods, lux meter, ovarium development, nutrients, prolapse. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The need for a minimum ventilation rate in the rearing house is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The advantages of having an optimum temperature range in the rearing house environment are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons for measuring the airspeed at the intake or exit points of a rearing house are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for the use of evaporative cooling systems in a rearing house are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons why specific photoperiods are implemented, according to the pullet age, are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The measuring of the illumination levels in a rearing house is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Nutrients in feed, calculation of growth phase requirements, body frame development, uniformity, coefficient of variation, sample size. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The critical growth phases of pullets and the effect on their nutrient requirements are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons why body mass uniformity is required and the practices to enhance uniformity are outlined. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The determination of the body mass uniformity is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The importance of the sample size, for the determination of body mass variation is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The plotting of graphs to illustrate the feed intake, growth, and mortality data, is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The interpretation of the graphs is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Apply the health program and beak trimming procedure for pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Bio-security, pathogens, vaccination procedures, immune status, blood sampling, mortality disposals, post mortems, organs affected by diseases of growing pullets, cannibalism, cauterize, beak tissue, beak trimmer. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The pathogens and the specific methods of controlling vectors on pullet rearing farms are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons why multiple vaccinations are administered to pullets during the rearing stage, are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons for using different methods of vaccine administration are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The gross lesions, as they appear in post mortem, of diseases commonly affecting pullets are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The correct handling practices for trimming of the pullets beaks are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The factors that influence the re-growth and damage of beak tissue are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Depopulate the rearing house of the 'point of lay' pullets and initiate the cleaning process. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Feather cover of pullets, absence of deformities, handling of pullets, culling of under-grade pullets, injury to pullets, removal of loose equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The characteristics of a first-grade pullet are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The correct handling and crating of pullets is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The removal of loose equipment from the rearing house is described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
In accordance with SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The cleaning and safeguarding of all sensitive equipment is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
In accordance with SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The cleaning and disinfecting of the pullet rearing house is described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
In accordance with SOP's.
 


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 mad.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets
  • Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental conditions that will ensure the optimum growth and sexual development of pullets
  • Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcome:
  • Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets
  • Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ensure that sufficient water is supplied to maintain the health and body temperature of pullets
  • Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase
  • Depopulate the rearing house of the 'point of lay' pullets and initiate the cleaning process 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcome:
  • Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets
  • Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ensure that sufficient water is supplied to maintain the health and body temperature of pullets
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental conditions that will ensure the optimum growth and sexual development of pullets
  • Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase
  • Apply the health program and beak trimming procedure for pullets
  • Depopulate the rearing house of the 'point of lay' pullets and initiate the cleaning process 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcome:
  • Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets
  • Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ensure that sufficient water is supplied to maintain the health and body temperature of pullets
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental conditions that will ensure the optimum growth and sexual development of pullets
  • Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase
  • Apply the health program and beak trimming procedure for pullets
  • Depopulate the rearing house of the 'point of lay' pullets and initiate the cleaning process 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcome:
  • Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets
  • Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ensure that sufficient water is supplied to maintain the health and body temperature of pullets
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental conditions that will ensure the optimum growth and sexual development of pullets
  • Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase
  • Apply the health program and beak trimming procedure for pullets
  • Depopulate the rearing house of the 'point of lay' pullets and initiate the cleaning process 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcome:
  • Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets
  • Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ensure that sufficient water is supplied to maintain the health and body temperature of pullets
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental conditions that will ensure the optimum growth and sexual development of pullets
  • Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase
  • Apply the health program and beak trimming procedure for pullets
  • Depopulate the rearing house of the 'point of lay' pullets and initiate the cleaning process 
    		•

    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.

    Specific Outcome:
  • Bring the poultry house and cages into readiness to receive day-old pullets
  • Conduct daily manure management to prevent the production of ammonia
  • Ensure that sufficient water is supplied to maintain the health and body temperature of pullets
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental conditions that will ensure the optimum growth and sexual development of pullets
  • Adjust the feeding times in accordance with the requirements of the particular pullet growth phase
  • Apply the health program and beak trimming procedure for pullets 
    		•

    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. Chicken Chain Farming Enterprise 
    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.