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 hatching eggs for setting 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119449  Manage hatching eggs for setting 
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  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 receive the eggs and take the necessary steps to maintain the hatchability before setting. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Handle hatching eggs for setting level 2. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Operate all equipment safely and adhere to the bio-security procedures. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
PPE, health and safety, chemical handling, bio-security. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The procedures that are necessary to ensure the maintenance of health and safety in a hatchery are detailed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The safety regulations and the relevant procedures for the handling of hazardous chemicals in the hatchery are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The adherence to the bio-security principles, in the execution of all tasks is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Recording, farm-related problems, temperature in trucks and receiving bays, flock and farm history, egg size, dirties, rejects, handling practices, hygiene, egg storage position and temperature. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons for the recording of the farms and specific flocks from which the eggs originate, are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The correct conditions for the transporting of hatching eggs are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The criteria for the selection of eggs that are suitable for hatching are detailed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The identification and recording of the type of defects found in the hatching eggs is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The position in which the hatching eggs should be stored is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The reasons for the specific positioning of stored hatching eggs are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Cold room temperature, relative humidity/evaporation from eggs, rotation of stock, pH of albumen increase / time related, storage period and temperature. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct conditions during long and short storage of hatching eggs in cold rooms, are detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The necessity for the storage of eggs, prior to the setting in the incubator is outlined. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The effects that the storage period has on the hatchability and pipping of the eggs are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Fumigate the hatching eggs before setting. 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Not always practiced at hatchery, more often at the breeder farm. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Bio-security measures, PPE, face masks, pathogens, origin of contamination, shell penetration, limitations to natural defence mechanisms, mould, fumigation of eggs. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The safety precautions when formaldehyde gas is used as a fumigant are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for fumigating/disinfecting the hatching eggs are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The importance of subjecting the eggs to the correct fumigation timing is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The effects on the embryonic development and chick quality, when microbes are present on the egg shells are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The natural defence mechanisms within an egg and its ability to withstand microbial penetration are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Conduct the pre-warming and placement of the eggs in setter cabinets. 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Action to be performed before setting and to prepare for embryonic growth. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Temperature, onset of cell division, hatching time, moisture condensation, air movement, setter temperature and humidity, trolleys alternating with incubated eggs, recording of positions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons why the eggs require pre-warming before they are moved to the setters are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The importance of ensuring that there is sufficient air movement around all the eggs during the pre-warming is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Carry heat to all eggs.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The procedures for the monitoring of the temperature and humidity in the setters are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for the specific positioning of egg trolleys in the setters 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:
  • Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching
  • Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos
  • Fumigate the hatching eggs before setting
  • Conduct the pre-warming and placement of the eggs in setter cabinets 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Operate all equipment safely and adhere to the bio-security procedures
  • Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching
  • Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Operate all equipment safely and adhere to the bio-security procedures
  • Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching
  • Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos
  • Fumigate the hatching eggs before setting
  • Conduct the pre-warming and placement of the eggs in setter cabinets 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Operate all equipment safely and adhere to the bio-security procedures
  • Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching
  • Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos
  • Fumigate the hatching eggs before setting
  • Conduct the pre-warming and placement of the eggs in setter cabinets 
    		•

    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:
  • Operate all equipment safely and adhere to the bio-security procedures
  • Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching
  • Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos
  • Fumigate the hatching eggs before setting
  • Conduct the pre-warming and placement of the eggs in setter cabinets 
    		•

    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:
  • Operate all equipment safely and adhere to the bio-security procedures
  • Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching
  • Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos
  • Fumigate the hatching eggs before setting
  • Conduct the pre-warming and placement of the eggs in setter cabinets 
    		•

    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:
  • Operate all equipment safely and adhere to the bio-security procedures
  • Receive, grade and select eggs that are suitable for hatching
  • Store eggs and monitor the conditions that will ensure the vitality of the embryos
  • Fumigate the hatching eggs before setting
  • Conduct the pre-warming and placement of the eggs in setter cabinets 
    		•

    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.