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: 

Defeather poultry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119445  Defeather poultry 
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  8 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
Demonstrate knowledge of the scalding, defeathering and washing processes 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Health and Safety Level 2
  • Personal Hygiene Level 2 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Comply with all safety and hygiene principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal hygiene procedures are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal hygiene, PPE, wash, disinfect.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct PPE for the workplace conditions are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The washing and disinfecting of all facilities and equipment, according to company procedures, is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Show an understanding of the scalding process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The function of the scalding process is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Release muscle pressure, releases skin pressure, feathers easily "plucked", prevent "cold spots", scalding tank.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role of the agitator and the reasons for regular checking of it, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for the monitoring of the scalding timing and temperature, as per company specifications are
    explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Too hot - cooked appearance, too cold - plucking difficult.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The method of manually scalding a carcass is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Immerse carcass in a tank of water at the recommended temperature.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the defeathering machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of checking the condition of the discs and fingers is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defeathering disc, plucker banks, wash thoroughly, when smooth will not pluck efficiently.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The height adjustment of the plucker discs is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pluckers must be set according to the size of the poultry to be plucked.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of the distances between the plucker bands is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The plucking and washing procedures are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Store the feathers in a separate container, ensure carcasses are thoroughly washed.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand the purpose and the function of the first inspection point. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of the meat examiner at the first inspection point is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Monitor carcass hygiene, diseased birds, poorly bled birds, machine damage, over scalded, quality
    standards.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the head puller. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of removing the oesophagus and the trachea together with the head is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Head puller, oesophagus, trachea.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct setting of the head puller machine is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Machine settings, neck skin undamaged.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The storage procedure for the removed heads is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Store heads for transference to the Malay (rough offal).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The manual removal of the head is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cut skin and flesh, dislocate neck, remove head, knives, sever flesh to bone, bend and dislocate vertebrae
    to remove head.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessity for maintaining a sharp cutting edge on the knives is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Blunt knives damage the carcass.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons for the frequent cleaning and sanitizing of the knives is indicated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the hock cutter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The aadjustment of the hock cutter is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hock cutter, cut through the centre of the hock joint.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequence of removing the whole joint is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Carcass fall out of shackles.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The removal of the feet is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cut through the hock joint with a cutting instrument, maintain a sharp cutting edge, clean and sanitize
    regularly.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The storage of the feet is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mala container.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the pre-evisceration washer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for adding chlorine to the pre-evisceration wash water is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Carcass washer, bactericidal chemicals, process line, hatch, ensure carcasses are clean, specified ratio of
    chlorine.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedure following the removal of the carcasses from the line is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Transfer through hatch to clean area (low risk).
     


    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 vidence. 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 for 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: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
  • Show an understanding of the scalding process
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the defeathering machine
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the head puller
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the hock cutter
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the pre-evisceration washer 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community
    Specific Outcome: 4
  • Understand the purpose and the function of the first inspection point 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    Specific Outcome: 1, 2, 7
  • Comply with all safety and hygiene principles
  • Show an understanding of the scalding process
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the pre-evisceration washer 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyze, organise and critically evaluate information;
    Specific Outcome: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
  • Show an understanding of the scalding process
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the defeathering machine
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the head puller
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the hock cutter
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the pre-evisceration washer 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation
    Specific Outcome: 2, 4, 5
  • Show an understanding of the scalding process
  • Understand the purpose and the function of the first inspection point
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the head puller 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others
    Specific Outcome: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
  • Comply with all safety and hygiene principles
  • Show an understanding of the scalding process
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the defeathering machine
  • Understand the purpose and the function of the first inspection point
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the head puller
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the hock cutter
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the pre-evisceration washer 
    		•

    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: 1, 5
  • Comply with all safety and hygiene principles
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the head puller 
    		•

    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  49583   General Education and Training Certificate: Poultry Processing  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49581   National Certificate: Poultry Processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49579   National Certificate: Poultry Processing  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.
     
    NONE 


    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.