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: 

Explain elementary animal nutrition 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116225  Explain elementary animal nutrition 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
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 
The learner achieving this unit standard will be able to understand the nature and functions of feeds and nutrients and their processing, conservation, storage and utilisation. In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of animal husbandry and agriculture.

Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in animal feeding and nutrition and will be able to operate in an animal production environment implementing sustainable and economically viable production principles.

They will be capacitated to gain access to the mainstream agricultural sector, in animal production, impacting directly on the sustainability of the sub-sector. The improvement in production technology will also have a direct impact on the improvement of agricultural productivity of the sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will demonstrate competence against the following unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 2: Understand animal nutrition.
  • NQF 2: Operate and support a food safety and quality management system in the agricultural supply chain.
  • NQF 1: Maintain basic water quality.
  • NQF 2: Explain external animal anatomy and morphology. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the nutritional role of nutrient components. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Nutrient components include but are not limited to sugars, amino acids, fatty acid and fibre. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various classes of nutrient components are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The origin of various classes of nutrient components is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Nutrients required for different forms of animal production, stimulation and maintenance are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Animal production includes but is not limited to the production of consumable food (meat, milk, eggs, bee products), fibre and feathers, reproduction and work as relevant to the context of application.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify specific feed ingredients. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Feed includes but is not limited to roughages, cereal grains, oil seeds and cakes, sugar, minerals, whole animals and animal products as relevant to the context of application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to identify various common ingredients and their origins is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sources of common ingredients are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to categorise and classify different ingredients is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of animal stimulation, maintenance and production in farm animals and how to apply feed to achieve this. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Animal production includes but is not limited to the production of consumable food (meat, milk, eggs, and bee products), fibre and feathers, reproduction and work as relevant to the context of application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Components of basal metabolism (maintenance) are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to identify production output of animal species and how feed influences production is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The utilisation of feed to stimulate animals to improve is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the ability to prepare, produce and mix feed ingredients. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Feed includes but is not limited to whole animals, animal products, natural vegetation and veld, planted crops, pastures, hay, silage, dry concentrates, algeal cultures and complete feeds and supplements as relevant to the context of application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Identification, maintenance and operation of machines and equipment required to process feed are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Machines include but are not limited to pumps and augers, hammer mills, baggers, cutters, presses and mixers, cages.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The setting up of machines and equipment and supply of components for the production of specific feed ingredients are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of the correct preparation of feed ingredients according to instructions and recipes are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The optimal stages of feed ingredients for the making of feeds are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Various recipes and processes required for the making of feed are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The various feeds and variations of feed ingredients used to manufacture feeds are identified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of feed security. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Security risks include but are not limited to theft, rodents, insects, fire, weather, mould and spoilage mechanisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to identify possible causes of loss of feed is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measures to counter each possible source of losses are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Counter measures include but are not limited to weatherproofing, pest-control, fire prevention and fire protection procedures, vandal proofing, preservation (freezing, cooling, dehydration, chemical or bacterial preservation), escape proofing and theft proofing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Systems, procedures and controls to prevent the loss of feed are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Identify and apply sensory indicators of quality in feed. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Feed includes but is not limited to whole animals, animal products, natural vegetation and veld, planted crops, pastures, hay, silage, dry concentrates, algeal cultures and complete feeds and supplements as relevant to the context of application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sensory evaluations of positive quality and optimal composition of feeds are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sensory indicators include but are not limited to visual, tactile and olfactory attributes, perceivable and actual temperature and moisture content.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sensory signs of spoilage in feed are recognised and described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Spoilage includes but is not limited to the effects of escape or theft, rodents, insects, fire, weather, mould and spoilage mechanisms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Various methods of evaluating quality in feeds are demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply corrective measures for abnormal feeding behaviour. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Abnormal feeding includes but is not limited to food rejection/selection, abnormal appetite, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Symptoms of normal feeding behaviour are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Symptoms of abnormal feeding behaviour are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The possible causes are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The corrective measures to be applied to various forms of abnormal feeding behaviour are demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes; critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded 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, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then 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.
  • 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 or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with 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. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Basic comprehension and understanding of identification of groups of nutrients, ingredients and feeds in animal maintenance and production
  • Identify feed ingredients
  • Be able to maintain and operate feed processing machines
  • Be competent in feed making and utilisation
  • Be familiar with feed storage practices for maintaining security and quality
  • Be aware of sensory indicators of good feed quality and spoiled feed
  • Ability to interpret abnormal feeding behaviour and apply corrective measures 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem Solving: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-Management: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information Evaluation: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of Science and Technology: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Professional Development: Relates to all outcomes. 

    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
    Core  49048   National Certificate: Animal 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. AVCASA 
    2. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    4. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    5. Emadlangeni Skills Development Academy NPC 
    6. Fantique Trade 664 Cc 
    7. Heedmorine Training 
    8. Itumeleng Training Solutions 
    9. Kitso Information & Development Centre 
    10. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    11. Maishamalema Development Training 
    12. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    13. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    14. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    15. Mvelo Consultant 
    16. Phezukomkhono Training Services 
    17. Polokego Shelter for abused Women and Children 
    18. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    19. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    20. Setlakala Business Development 
    21. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    22. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    23. Tripple R Training Provider 
    24. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    25. Westco Agri Training 



    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.