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: 

Rear pullets for table egg production 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119473  Rear pullets for table egg production 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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 create and maintain the ideal environment for the rearing of pullets to ensure high egg yields after reaching sexual maturity. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Health and safety level 1. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Understand the procedures for the preparation of a pullet rearing house to receive day-old chicks. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Drinkers, paper sheets, early feed intake, feeding equipment, fumigation, floor space, house temperature. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

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

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The final disinfecting of the pullet rearing house is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The activation and testing of the watering system is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for spreading feed on paper strips are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Understand the procedures for the safe placement of chicks in the rearing cages. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Bone dislocations, skeleton injuries, stress, water fonts, feed availability, chick counts, rapid yolk utilization. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct chick handling procedures are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The removal of chicks from the boxes and placement is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The consequences of rough handling of the chicks are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for ensuring early feed and water intake by day-old chicks are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Understand the daily procedures of manure handling to minimize the production of ammonia. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Moisture and temperature control, water management, cold spots, ammonia in air, linings of the respiratory tract, eye infections, coccidiosis. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The factors that lead to the formation of ammonia in the rearing house are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The harmful effects that high levels of ammonia have on the health of pullets are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The harmful effects of wet litter in a pullet rearing house are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The gauging of the ammonia concentration in the air against the acceptable limits, as per company SOP's is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Understand the necessity of providing a constant water supply for the maintenance of the health and body temperature of pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Mucus membranes, bacterial infections, panting, temperature regulation, digestion, growth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The role of water in the maintenance of health in pullets is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The function of water for the cooling of pullets is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The importance of water for the digestive and growth processes is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Understand the role of ventilation for the maintenance of health in pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Heat/moisture production, body muscle mass, air volume and speed, minimum/maximum ventilation, moisture and dust removal, temperature/feed intake suppression. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The production of body heat in pullets is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The water balance in pullets is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons for adjusting the ventilation in accordance to body mass of pullets are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The removal of air pollutants in the rearing house is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons for cooling pullet rearing houses are explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Understand the necessity of adjusting the feeding times to suit the needs of the specific growth phases of pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Nutrients in feed, growth, body frame development, feeding times, uniformity measurement. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The reasons for adjusting the feed allowances during the growth period are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The need to measure body mass uniformity of pullets is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Understand the importance of lighting programs in pullet rearing. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Mode of action, ovarium development, decreasing and increasing photoperiods, time switches, level of illumination. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The effect of light on the sexual development of pullets is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for the setting of short photoperiods and light stimulation of pullets are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The setting of time switches is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
Understand the role of health programs and the beak trimming of pullets. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Bio-security, disease-causing organisms, vaccination procedures, immune status, blood sampling, mortality disposals, post mortems, cannibalism, cauterize, beak tissue. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The necessity of adhering to strict bio-security and hygiene procedures is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The need for multiple vaccinations during the rearing of pullets is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The equipment used in applying the different methods of administering vaccines is detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The correct procedures for beak trimming are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons for conducting beak trimming are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The factors that influence regrowth and damage to beak tissue are explained. 


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.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

  • UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving: Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been mad.

    Refer to specific outcome:
  • Understand the necessity of adjusting the feeding times to suit the needs of the specific growth phases of pullets. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self organization and management: Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

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

    Refer to specific outcome:
  • Understand the procedures for the preparation of a pullet rearing house to receive day-old chicks.
  • Understand the procedures for the safe placement of chicks in the rearing cages.
  • Understand the daily procedures of manure handling to minimize the production of ammonia.
  • Understand the necessity of providing a constant water supply for the maintenance of the health and body temperature of pullets.
  • Understand the role of ventilation for the maintenance of health in pullets.
  • Understand the necessity of adjusting the feeding times to suit the needs of the specific growth phases of pullets.
  • Understand the importance of lighting programs in pullet rearing.
  • Understand the role of health programs and the beak trimming of pullets. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication: Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Science and Technology: Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Refer to specific outcome:
  • Understand the procedures for the preparation of a pullet rearing house to receive day-old chicks.
  • Understand the procedures for the safe placement of chicks in the rearing cages.
  • Understand the daily procedures of manure handling to minimize the production of ammonia.
  • Understand the necessity of providing a constant water supply for the maintenance of the health and body temperature of pullets.
  • Understand the role of ventilation for the maintenance of health in pullets.
  • Understand the necessity of adjusting the feeding times to suit the needs of the specific growth phases of pullets.
  • Understand the importance of lighting programs in pullet rearing.
  • Understand the role of health programs and the beak trimming of pullets. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems: 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 specific outcome:
  • Understand the procedures for the preparation of a pullet rearing house to receive day-old chicks.
  • Understand the procedures for the safe placement of chicks in the rearing cages.
  • Understand the daily procedures of manure handling to minimize the production of ammonia.
  • Understand the necessity of providing a constant water supply for the maintenance of the health and body temperature of pullets.
  • Understand the role of ventilation for the maintenance of health in pullets.
  • Understand the necessity of adjusting the feeding times to suit the needs of the specific growth phases of pullets.
  • Understand the importance of lighting programs in pullet rearing.
  • Understand the role of health programs and the beak trimming of pullets. 

  • 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  49580   General Education and Training Certificate: Poultry Production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  49582   National Certificate: Poultry Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    2. Ikhwezi Drakensburg Rural & Urban Development Chamber 
    3. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    4. Mvelo Consultant 
    5. New Heights 1082 
    6. SBJ Shadikamang Agriculture 
    7. Scientific Roots (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Silver Falls Scientific 
    9. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    10. Tripple R Training Provider 



    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.