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Monitor and maintain the supply of feed and water to livestock

URN: LANLP2
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Livestock Production
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 31 Jan 2022

Overview

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This standard covers monitoring and maintaining the supply of feed and water to livestock. This will be in accordance with dietary, veterinary and production requirements.

It includes monitoring and maintaining the ongoing supply of feed and water and also involves checking that the livestock are eating and drinking suitable amounts of feed and water. 

You are also required to monitor the healthy performance of the livestock in relation to production requirements.
   
When working with livestock or equipment you should be trained, and hold the current certification where required, in accordance with the relevant legislation.

When carrying out your work you must consider the impact it will have on the environment, and work towards preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity and responding to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

This standard is suitable for those who are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the supply of feed and water to livestock.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. assess the risks associated with the activity to be carried out
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  3. confirm that the equipment used to supply feed and water to livestock is safe, clean and in good condition and full working order
  4. confirm that hygiene and bio-security is maintained in accordance, with business practices
  5. monitor and maintain the storage of all livestock feed to protect it from pests and maintain its quality
  6. monitor the condition of feed and water prior to supply and take the appropriate action where required
  7. confirm that livestock are provided with the correct type and quantity of feed, and any supplements, in accordance with the dietary programme
  8. confirm that a supply of clean, fresh water is provided, in accordance with livestock requirements
  9. monitor the feeding and drinking habits of the livestock and report concerns immediately to the relevant person
  10. confirm that the health and welfare of the livestock is maintained throughout the feeding and watering process 
  11. monitor and report on the effectiveness of the dietary programme in meeting its objectives 
  12. monitor and report on the behaviour and welfare of the livestock
  13. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
  14. confirm that waste is processed safely and correctly, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and business practices
  15. carry out all work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, animal health and welfare legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies 
  16. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and the business

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. how to identify hazards and assess the risks associated with maintaining the supply of feed and water to livestock
  2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
  3. the types of equipment required for providing feed and water to livestock 
  4. the methods of cleaning and maintaining feeding and watering equipment and the importance of checking that the equipment cannot cause injury to the livestock 
  5. the types of pests and vermin and how to prevent them gaining access to feed and water supplies 
  6. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the methods for achieving this
  7. the types of feed and stock levels needed to meet the dietary programme
  8. how to maintain the quality of livestock feed and the possible consequences of poor quality or reduced quantity of feed 
  9. the correct methods and procedures for providing access to feed and water for livestock
  10. the expected feed and water intake of the livestock you are monitoring and what changes in feeding and drinking habits might indicate
  11. the types of problems that may occur during feeding and watering and the limits of your responsibility in relation to resolving any problems identified
  12. the different types of medication and supplementary feed that may be used for the livestock you are monitoring, the purpose of these and how they can be provided via feed or water
  13. the importance of monitoring livestock behaviour and welfare for signs of sickness or injury and how these should be reported
  14. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
  15. how to handle, store, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with legal requirements and business practices
  16. your responsibilities for the welfare of livestock under the relevant animal health and welfare legislation, codes of practice and business policies
  17. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety policy legislation, codes of practice and business policies
  18. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Feed: 
• straights
• blends
• total mixed diet
• hay
• silage
• haylage
• milk, etc.

Healthy performance may cover growth, development and reproduction.

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

4

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANLP2

Relevant Occupations

Farmer, General Farm Worker, Pig Farm Worker, Poultry Farm Worker, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

diet; nutrients; livestock; cattle; sheep; pigs; poultry; camelids; feed; water