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: 

Care for commercial layers 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119404  Care for commercial layers 
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 2  NQF Level 02  10 
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 understand the procedures for the placement of point-of-lay pullets and the daily care of layers to ensure optimum egg production. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Health and safety level 1. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Understand the procedures for preparing the laying house to receive point-of-lay pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Disinfecting, pesticides, feed and water systems, lights, ventilation, egg belts, augers. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The final disinfecting of the laying house is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The placement of vermin bait stations is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The activation and testing of the watering system is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The testing of the ventilation system in accordance with company procedures is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons for setting the time switches and testing the lights are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Understand the procedures for the placement of pullets in the layer house. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Unload crates, stocking density, bird numbers, handling procedures, stress, condition of combs and feet, dehydration, excreta absent, crops empty. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct procedures for the handling of pullets is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for using specific stocking densities are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The recognition of the condition of pullets that have not located feed or water, and the corrective measures to follow are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Understand the procedures to be used to control the ventilation for the provision of a comfortable environment for the layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Curtain openings, ventilation, temperature control, egg shell quality, fan speeds, louver openings, mechanical ventilation and natural ventilation, mucous membranes in respiratory tract, respiratory diseases, eye infections. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The control of the ventilation in a naturally ventilated layer house is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The control of the ventilation in a mechanically ventilated layer house is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The dangers that high levels of ammonia pose in a layer house are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The effect that temperature extremes have on the feed intake of layers is described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Ensure that water is always available to the layers and all the equipment is in good working order. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Mucous membranes, cilia in respiratory tract, clean filters, check pressure, repair leaks, check water meters, effect of water intake on feed intake, body temperature regulation. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The role that water has in the maintenance of layer heath is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The function of water for the body temperature regulation of layers is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The role that water plays in the formation of an egg is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Understand the principles of feed management practices for layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Feed type, maintain feeder system/equipment, record usage, unrestricted feeding, fines in feed, mould growth in feed troughs, prevention of feed wastage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The normal appearance and structure of mash and crumb feeds is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for the occasional addition of calcium grit to layer feeds are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The influence that environmental conditions have on feed consumption is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for the daily scraping and turning of the feed in feed troughs are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The practices to prevent feed spillage are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Understand the necessity of setting the appropriate light programs to ensure a high level of egg production. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Light schedules, time switches, natural light, effect of decreasing light patterns, moulting, stimulatory effect. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The effect that photoperiods have on the level of egg production is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The correct setting of time switches, as per company SOP's, is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Understand the manure management practices to ensure a healthy environment for layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Fly control, ammonia formation, cone formation in manure, beetles and scavengers, aeration of manure, water leaks, temperature, high salt in feed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The advantages of managing the manure correctly are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The factors that contribute to the occurrence of wet manure are described. 


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.

    Refer to the following specific outcome:
  • Understand the necessity of setting the appropriate light programs to ensure a high level of egg production. 
    		•

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

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

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the procedures for preparing the laying house to receive point-of-lay pullets.
  • Understand the procedures for the placement of pullets in the layer house.
  • Understand the procedures to be used to control the ventilation for the provision of a comfortable environment for the layers.
  • Ensure that water is always available to the layers and all the equipment is in good working order.
  • Understand the principles of feed management practices for layers.
  • Understand the necessity of setting the appropriate light programs to ensure a high level of egg production.
  • Understand the manure management practices to ensure a healthy environment for layers. 
    		•

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

    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:
  • Understand the procedures for preparing the laying house to receive point-of-lay pullets.
  • Understand the procedures for the placement of pullets in the layer house.
  • Understand the procedures to be used to control the ventilation for the provision of a comfortable environment for the layers.
  • Ensure that water is always available to the layers and all the equipment is in good working order.
  • Understand the principles of feed management practices for layers.
  • Understand the necessity of setting the appropriate light programs to ensure a high level of egg production.
  • Understand the manure management practices to ensure a healthy environment for layers. 
    		•

    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:
  • Understand the procedures for preparing the laying house to receive point-of-lay pullets.
  • Understand the procedures for the placement of pullets in the layer house.
  • Understand the procedures to be used to control the ventilation for the provision of a comfortable environment for the layers.
  • Ensure that water is always available to the layers and all the equipment is in good working order.
  • Understand the principles of feed management practices for layers.
  • Understand the necessity of setting the appropriate light programs to ensure a high level of egg production.
  • Understand the manure management practices to ensure a healthy environment for layers. 
    		•

    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  49580   General Education and Training Certificate: Poultry Production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49582   National Certificate: Poultry Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    2. Hutima Trading Enterprise 
    3. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    4. Mvelo Consultant 
    5. New Heights 1082 Pty Ltd 
    6. Nqobimpilo Creations Pty Ltd 
    7. SBJ Shadikamang Agriculture 
    8. Scientific Roots (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Silver Falls Scientific 
    10. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    11. Tripple R Training Provider 


    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.