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 care of poultry parent stock 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119474  Manage the care of poultry parent stock 
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 implement all the necessary management practices that will ensure the maximum production of settable eggs. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Care of poultry parent stock level 2 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare the poultry house to receive point-of-lay breeding stock. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Drinkers, feeding, ventilation, and lighting equipment, nest boxes, litter, fumigation, floor space, males, females, PPE, bio-security measures, face masks. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The installation and testing of all equipment prior to the arrival of males and females is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The allowances for the feeding and watering spaces are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons for the provision of separate feeders for males and females are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per the company SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Apply the feeding programs and understand the reasons for the body mass control in males and females. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Nutrients in feed, male and female feeders, obesity, peak production, uniformity, multiple ovulations, double yolk eggs, feed sampling, diet composition, fertility, maintenance requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The differences in the nutrient requirements of males and females, are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The effect on the hatchability of eggs, when the wrong feed and feed allowances are given, is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The factors that give rise to obesity in breeders are described . 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The negative effects that obesity has on egg production and fertility are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The phenomenon of multiple ovulations and its causes are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The process of fertilization is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The identification of fertile eggs is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
The partitioning of dietary nutrients between the needs for body maintenance and egg production is described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Operate the ventilation of the breeder house to ensure the maximum comfort and health for broiler parent stock. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Heat/moisture production, body mass, air volume and speed, minimum/maximum ventilation, moisture and dust removal, evaporative cooling, air velocity, roof sprayers, mist sprayers and internal air movement, radiated heat. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The concept of thermo-neutral temperature ranges for poultry is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The limitations that certain environmental conditions have on evaporative cooling are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The setting of ventilation rates, according to the stocking density is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The measurement of the air delivery of the fans in mechanically ventilated buildings is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The limitations of utilising mist sprayers in poultry houses are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The limitations of utilising roof sprayers for naturally ventilated houses are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Apply the health programs for breeders. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Vaccinations, blood tests, blood titer counts, bio-security, diseases, post mortems, culling, mortality disposals, bedding, ammonia burn, feet problems, spiking of males, vertical transmissible poultry diseases, blue combs, feed refusal, snicking, bird noise, flightiness, feather pecking, lameness, soft shells. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The necessity of adhering to strict bio-security programs is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The control measures that are utilized for the most commonly occurring diseases in poultry breeders, are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The criteria for the identification of cull birds are detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for removing the cull birds from the flock are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The measures to monitor the health status of breeders during the laying year are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The vaccination procedures that are applicable to poultry breeders are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The procedures for blood sampling and the correct handling of the test tubes are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
The effect that the handling practices and the condition of bedding material, can have on the mating ability of poultry breeders is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
The abnormalities in bird appearance and behavior that are indicators of stress or disease are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Monitor the time switches to ensure that the photoperiods are in accordance with the standard operating procedures. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Follicle development, level of illumination, increasing/constant light patterns. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The response of the reproductive organs and egg production of poultry breeders to the photoperiod patterns is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The response of the reproductive organs and egg production of poultry breeders to the levels of illumination is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The calculation of the number of light hours from the time switch settings is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Demonstrate an understanding of farm related factors that affect hatchability of eggs. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Safety of meat and eggs for humans, nest-box hygiene, fungal and bacterial contamination of eggs, bedding condition, floor eggs, cooling of eggs, formalin prills, fumigation, shell quality, bacteria, mould growth, regular collection, uneven hatches. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The pathogens that affect the hatchery hygiene and safety of meat and eggs for human consumption are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The procedures to minimise the contamination of eggs by the organisms that negatively affect hatchability are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The influence that the condition of bedding has on the hatching egg quality is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for halting the early embryonic development in eggs until the incubation process is initiated are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The importance of maintaining the cold chain to the hatchery receiving bay is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The consequences of poor handling practices on the embryo survival rate are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The reasons for regular egg collection schedules of hatching eggs is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Gather the relevant data and manage the records of parent flocks to enable early recognition of disease and production drops. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Fertility and hatchability data from hatchery, breeder mortalities, feed and water intake records, body mass, environmental temperatures and humidities. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The graphical representations of the egg production and feed intake data is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The interpretation of the trends that are indicated on the graphs is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The environmental and management practices to avoid as illustrated by the graphical trends, are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The adjustment of feed allowances, relative to the production rate and body mass of birds is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The adherence to the specified mating ratios and the need to introduce "spiking", is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
Depopulate and clean the breeder house to ensure a healthy environment for the next flock. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Bird handling practices, injuries, dislocations, sanitize, disinfect, perform maintenance, bacterial load on farm and surrounding areas. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct procedures for the handling of breeders during the depopulation are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The procedures to minimize the spreading of disease-causing organisms on the farm and surrounding areas are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The removal of loose equipment and the prerequisites for the effective sanitation and disinfection of the poultry house is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The areas in which preventative maintenance checks must occur, are detailed. 


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 criterisa 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:
  • Prepare the poultry house to receive point-of-lay breeding stock
  • Apply the feeding programs and understand the reasons for the body mass control in males and females
  • Operate the ventilation of the breeder house to ensure the maximum comfort and health for broiler parent stock
  • Monitor the time switches to ensure that the photoperiods are in accordance with the standard operating procedures
  • Collect hatching eggs to ensure maximum hatchability 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcome:
  • Prepare the poultry house to receive point-of-lay breeding stock 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the poultry house to receive point-of-lay breeding stock
  • Apply the health programs for breeders
  • Gather the relevant data and manage the records of parent flocks to enable early recognition of disease and production drops
  • Depopulate and clean the breeder house to ensure a healthy environment for the next flock 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the poultry house to receive point-of-lay breeding stock
  • Apply the feeding programs and understand the reasons for the body mass control in males and females
  • Operate the ventilation of the breeder house to ensure the maximum comfort and health for broiler parent stock
  • Apply the health programs for breeders
  • Monitor the time switches to ensure that the photoperiods are in accordance with the standard operating procedures
  • Collect hatching eggs to ensure maximum hatchability
  • Gather the relevant data and manage the records of parent flocks to enable early recognition of disease and production drops
  • Depopulate and clean the breeder house to ensure a healthy environment for the next flock 
    		•

    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:
  • Gather the relevant data and manage the records of parent flocks to enable early recognition of disease and production drops
  • Depopulate and clean the breeder house to ensure a healthy environment for the next flock 
    		•

    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:
  • Prepare the poultry house to receive point-of-lay breeding stock
  • Apply the feeding programs and understand the reasons for the body mass control in males and females
  • Operate the ventilation of the breeder house to ensure the maximum comfort and health for broiler parent stock
  • Apply the health programs for breeders
  • Monitor the time switches to ensure that the photoperiods are in accordance with the standard operating procedures
  • Collect hatching eggs to ensure maximum hatchability
  • Gather the relevant data and manage the records of parent flocks to enable early recognition of disease and production drops
  • Depopulate and clean the breeder house to ensure a healthy environment for the next flock 
    		•

    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:
  • Prepare the poultry house to receive point-of-lay breeding stock
  • Apply the feeding programs and understand the reasons for the body mass control in males and females
  • Operate the ventilation of the breeder house to ensure the maximum comfort and health for broiler parent stock
  • Apply the health programs for breeders
  • Monitor the time switches to ensure that the photoperiods are in accordance with the standard operating procedures
  • Collect hatching eggs to ensure maximum hatchability
  • Gather the relevant data and manage the records of parent flocks to enable early recognition of disease and production drops
  • Depopulate and clean the breeder house to ensure a healthy environment for the next flock 
    		•

    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.