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Introduce new animals to a holding

URN: LANLP39
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Livestock Production
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 31 Jan 2022

Overview

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This standard covers the management practices and precautions that should be taken when introducing new animals to an established group, or when mixing groups from different sources and setting up a new unit. 

Modern diseases are often highly contagious so good bio-security is a key part of this standard.
   
When working with livestock or machinery 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 responsible for introducing new animals to a holding.

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. prepare the environment for the introduction of the new animal(s) to the holding
  4. produce a health plan for introducing the new animal(s) 
  5. maintain hygiene and bio-security, in accordance with business practices
  6. take action to keep new animal(s) isolated from other groups for the required period of time, consistent with bio-security measures
  7. deliver specific treatments and procedures to new animals, such as vaccinations and worming, as advised by the veterinary surgeon, before introducing them to established groups or other animals 
  8. introduce the new animal(s) to the holding, taking steps to avoid any physical bullying, fighting and exposure to disease
  9. observe the health of the animal(s) continuously and record your findings
  10. seek veterinary advice, where required
  11. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
  12. 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
  13. complete records as required by the relevant legislation and the business

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the risks inherent in handling and moving animals and how these can be minimised
  2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
  3. why you need to introduce the new animal(s) and the implications of introducing new animals to established groups
  4. the methods of introducing new animals to a holding 
  5. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the methods for achieving this
  6. how to work with the veterinary surgeon to produce a health plan for introducing new animals to a holding 
  7. the treatments and procedures required by the new animal(s)
  8. the current health status of the established group and the new animal(s)
  9. what an isolation unit is, how to set one up and how it should be used
  10. the early signs of ill-health in animals, what these might indicate and the actions to take
  11. the isolation periods required to detect common infectious diseases 
  12. the behaviour of animals and what may occur when introducing new animals to a group for the first time
  13. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
  14. your responsibilities for the welfare of livestock under the relevant animal health and welfare legislation, codes of practice and business policies
  15. your responsibilities under the current environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and business policies
  16. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

6

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANLP39

Relevant Occupations

Farm Manager, Farmer, General Farm Worker, Unit Manager, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5111

Keywords

livestock; accommodation; pasture; field; herd; flock; farm