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 incubation process in hatcheries 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119439  Manage the incubation process in hatcheries 
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 understand the operation of the incubation equipment and the hatchery practices in order to ensure high yields of quality chickens. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Monitoring the incubation process in hatcheries level 2 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Monitor the incubation environment to ensure a high hatchability. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Temperature ranges for incubation, relative humidity, ventilation, egg turning, egg orientation, candling, fertility problems, incubator problems, moisture loss in eggs, oxygen requirements, carbon dioxide production, heat production. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The type of nutrients in eggs and the growth processes that take place during incubation are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The effect that the incubator temperature has on embryo development is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The effect that the relative humidity in the incubator has on embryo development is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for the ventilation and cooling of the incubator cabinets are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons why the eggs require regular turning in the incubator are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The reasons for the early candling and weighing of eggs are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
To identify hatchability problems.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Savings on electricity, capital outlay with single stage incubators, care with handling eggs, ventilation of eggs in trolleys, fumigation, temperature extremes, checking moisture loss, heat production by embryos, setter history. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons for the use of single or multistage incubators are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The correct handling of eggs during the transfer to the hatcher is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The importance of maintaining an air flow over the eggs during the transfer is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for the evaluation of the moisture loss of eggs in the setters are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Monitor the conditions in the hatcher to ensure that the correct environment for the final stages of incubation is maintained. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
PPE, face masks, bio-security measures, bacteria, moulds, oxygen, carbon dioxide, humidity, ventilation requirements, age of flock, storage period, setter history/performance. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons for fumigating the eggs at the pipping stage are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The types of disease causing organisms that are prevalent at the pipping stage are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The ventilation and humidity requirements in hatchers are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The factors that are necessary for the estimation of the setting and take-off times are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
PPE, face masks, dehydration, overheating, chilling, bloody navels, uneven hatching in trays, weak chicks, hygiene, malformations, red hocks, exploders, omphalitis, yolk sac infection, bacteria, moulds, swab and fluff sampling practices. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct environmental conditions in the chick take-off area are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The features of a typical first grade day-old chick are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The causes of sub-standard chicks are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons why sanitary conditions should be maintained during the handling of day-old chicks are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons for wearing the appropriate personal protective clothing in the chick take-off area are detailed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The purpose of collecting swab and fluff samples in the chick take-off areas are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The procedures for the collection of swab and fluff samples in the chick take-off areas are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
The causes of naval and yolk sac infections are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Female reproductive openings, male reproductive organ, sex-linked genes, colour sexing, vaccine storage and mixing, cleaning and maintenance of vaccination equipment, passive immunity, maternal antibodies, uniformity in immune status. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The principles of vent-sexing, colour sexing and feather sexing are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for the vaccination of day-old chicks are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The procedures for the mixing and storing of vaccines are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Record batch numbers, As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The procedures for the cleaning and maintaining of the vaccination equipment are demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons for the recording of all the batches of chicks are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Fertility, handling conditions, storage, temperature, candling, hatchery trouble shooting guide, incubation problems, power failures, staff negligence. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The identification of fertile and infertile eggs is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The identification of possible incubation and egg handling problems by utilizing the hatchery trouble-shooting guide are demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The recording of all the hatchery data and the graphical representation of this data is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The interpretation of the hatchery statistics as contained in the graphs is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The identification of deviations in the hatchability results that are due to the malfunctioning of equipment are demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Clean, sanitize and disinfect the hatchery. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Equipment, floors, walls, ceilings, incubators, swabs, micro-organisms, sanitise, disinfect, air ducts, drains, bacteria, mould, viruses. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting procedures are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for restricting the movement of people between the various areas in the hatchery are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The necessity of conducting a more frequent sanitation and disinfection of certain areas of in a hatchery is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The procedures that are peculiar to hatcheries, for the curbing of disease-causing organisms are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The methods of evaluating the hygiene levels in the hatchery are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The methods of waste handling in a hatchery are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company 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 made.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Monitor the incubation environment to ensure a high hatchability
  • Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher
  • Monitor the conditions in the hatcher to ensure that the correct environment for the final stages of incubation is maintained
  • Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch
  • Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks
  • Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs
  • Clean, sanitize and disinfect the hatchery 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher
  • Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch
  • Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks
  • Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Monitor the incubation environment to ensure a high hatchability
  • Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher
  • Monitor the conditions in the hatcher to ensure that the correct environment for the final stages of incubation is maintained
  • Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch
  • Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks
  • Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs
  • Clean, sanitize and disinfect the hatchery 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Monitor the incubation environment to ensure a high hatchability
  • Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher
  • Monitor the conditions in the hatcher to ensure that the correct environment for the final stages of incubation is maintained
  • Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch
  • Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks
  • Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs
  • Clean, sanitize and disinfect the hatchery 
    		•

    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:
  • Monitor the incubation environment to ensure a high hatchability
  • Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher
  • Monitor the conditions in the hatcher to ensure that the correct environment for the final stages of incubation is maintained
  • Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch
  • Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks
  • Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs
  • Clean, sanitize and disinfect the hatchery 
    		•

    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:
  • Monitor the incubation environment to ensure a high hatchability
  • Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher
  • Monitor the conditions in the hatcher to ensure that the correct environment for the final stages of incubation is maintained
  • Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch
  • Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks
  • Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs
  • Clean, sanitize and disinfect the hatchery 
    		•

    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:
  • Monitor the incubation environment to ensure a high hatchability
  • Transfer the eggs from the setter to the hatcher
  • Monitor the conditions in the hatcher to ensure that the correct environment for the final stages of incubation is maintained
  • Ensure that favourable environmental and sanitary conditions are provided for the chicks in the working area when processing the hatch
  • Manage the sexing, vaccination and despatch of day-old chicks
  • Identify the infertility and hatchability problems from the egg break-outs
  • Clean, sanitize and disinfect the hatchery 
    		•

    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. 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.