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 commercial layers 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119489  Manage the care of 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 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 supervise the placement of point-of-lay pullets and the daily care of layers to enable optimum egg production. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Care of commercial layers level 2 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Face masks, PPE, disinfecting, pesticides, feed and water systems, lights, ventilation, egg belts, augers. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The disinfection and vermin control procedures, prior to the arrival of the new pullets are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The items of the laying house equipment that require testing are indicated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The correct adjustment, maintenance and operation of the laying house equipment is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Transfer the layer birds into cages / layer houses and complete the required documentation. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Unload crates, stocking density handling procedures, stress in point of lay's (pol's), documentation, feed, water, temperature control. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct method of handling point of lay's (pol's) is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for adhering to the prescribed stocking densities are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The factors that cause stress in pol's are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons why the documentation of the flock data must be completed, are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Ventilation requirements, temperature control, thermo-neutral zone and energy requirements, mechanical and naturally ventilated buildings, ammonia formation, wet litter. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The method of calculating the ventilation requirements in mechanically ventilated poultry buildings is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
According to layer numbers and SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The controlling of the ventilation in naturally ventilated poultry buildings is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The effect that temperature extremes have on the feed intake and egg production are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The effect that ammonia has on layers is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The measures to minimise the formation of ammonia in the layer house are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Clean filters, check pressure, clean drinkers, repair leaks, water meters, effect on feed intake, body temperature regulation, scouring, comb colour. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The components of the watering system that require daily attendance are detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The need to measure the water intake of layers is explained. 

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

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The role that water plays in the intake of feed is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The abnormal appearance of excreta as an indication of a water intake problem is recognised. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
An abnormal comb colour as an indication of a water intake problem is recognised. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The abnormal bird behaviour as an indication of a water intake problem is recognised. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Implement the feeding programs for layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Feeding times, types of feed and appearance, maintain feeder system/equipment, record feed intake, unrestricted feed, temperature and production effects on feed intake, consumption of fines, feed levels in troughs, function of calcium, effect of sodium on urine excretion, grit and shell quality. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The structure and appearance of layer mash or crumbs is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons why calcium grit is occasionally added to layer diets or their feeding troughs is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The factors that influence the feed intake of layers are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The affect on shell quality, of feed related factors are outlined. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The procedures for the prevention of mould growth in feed troughs, feed bins and containers are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The reasons for the recording of the feed consumption are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The reasons why the levels in feed troughs require controlling are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Light schedules, time switches, natural light, moulting, stimulatory effect. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The mechanism by which photoperiods affect laying hens is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The setting of the lighting time switches is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons for the selection of specific photoperiods in layer houses for the various times of the year, are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The need for the minimum illumination levels for layers is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The positions to use for measuring the illumination in the layer house are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Control the manure removal to ensure a healthy environment for layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Wet manure, biological fly control, beetles and scavengers, aeration of manure, water leaks, high sodium, temperature in laying house, presence of rodents, ammonia, cilia, flies and disease control. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons for controlling the moisture content in layer manure are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for the conducting of fly control in layer houses are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The feed and environmental aspects that may cause wet manure under laying cages are identified. 


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:
  • Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets
  • Transfer the layer birds into cages / layer houses and complete the required documentation
  • Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers
  • Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers
  • Implement the feeding programs for layers
  • Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production
  • Control the manure removal to ensure a healthy environment for layers 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets
  • Transfer the layer birds into cages / layer houses and complete the required documentation
  • Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers
  • Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers
  • Implement the feeding programs for layers
  • Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production
  • Control the manure removal to ensure a healthy environment for layers 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets
  • Transfer the layer birds into cages / layer houses and complete the required documentation
  • Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers
  • Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers
  • Implement the feeding programs for layers
  • Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production
  • Control the manure removal to ensure a healthy environment for layers 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets
  • Transfer the layer birds into cages / layer houses and complete the required documentation
  • Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers
  • Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers
  • Implement the feeding programs for layers
  • Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production
  • Control the manure removal 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.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets
  • Transfer the layer birds into cages / layer houses and complete the required documentation
  • Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers
  • Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers
  • Implement the feeding programs for layers
  • Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production
  • Control the manure removal to ensure a healthy environment for layers 
    		•

    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:
  • Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets
  • Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers
  • Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers
  • Implement the feeding programs for layers
  • Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production 
    		•

    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:
  • Complete the final preparations to the laying house and equipment to receive point of lay pullets
  • Transfer the layer birds into cages / layer houses and complete the required documentation
  • Operate the ventilation system to ensure comfortable environmental conditions for the layers
  • Maintain and monitor the water supply to the layers
  • Implement the feeding programs for layers
  • Set and maintain the light programs to ensure a constant egg production
  • Control the manure removal 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  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 
    2. Sibizi and Lekhela Agric Business Trading (Pty) Ltd 


    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.