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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Describe equine reproduction and gestation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262403  Describe equine reproduction and gestation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
Learners credited with this Unit Standard will have an understanding of basic reproductive anatomy of horses. They will be able to describe gestation in horses in terms of length, foetal development and the care of the mare during pregnancy.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Describing the reproductive anatomy of a mare.
  • Describing the reproductive anatomy of a stallion.
  • Describing the parameters of equine gestation.
  • Describing the techniques used for pregnancy diagnosis.
  • Explaining the components of a health care programme for the pregnant mare. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Equine welfare at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the reproductive anatomy of a mare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The external reproductive anatomy of a mare is described in relation to structure and parts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The internal reproductive anatomy of a mare is described in relation to the structure and parts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The genital tract of a mare is described in relation to the role and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The oestrous cycle of the mare is described in terms of reproduction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of cycle phases includes, but is not limited to:
  • Oestrus, Dioestrus, Anoestrous, Seasonal Polyoestrous and hormones.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Factors affecting the oestrus cycle are explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of factors include, but is not limited to:
  • Management, Controlled Breeding Seasons, Physical Condition, Physical Fitness and Physiological Factors.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Perineal conformation is explained in terms of using the mare for breeding. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the reproductive anatomy of a stallion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The external reproductive anatomy of a stallion is described in relation to structure and parts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The internal reproductive anatomy of a stallion is described in relation to structure and parts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reproductive cycle a stallion is described in terms of physiology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of cycle phases includes, but is not limited to:
  • Seasonal breeder and hormones.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors affecting semen production are explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of factors include, but is not limited to:
  • Illness, injury, drugs, management and reproductive cycle.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Fertility in individual stallions is explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of fertility issues include, but is not limited to:
  • Fertility rates, factors affecting fertility and semen evaluation [volume, total sperm output, concentration, motility, morphology].
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand the parameters of equine gestation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fertilization and development of the egg into a foetus is described in relation to equine gestation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Foetal development is described from conception to birth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Placenta and foetal membrane development is described in relation to the role in sustaining foetal life. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Twinning in mares is explained in terms of occurrence and disadvantages. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe techniques used for pregnancy diagnosis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hormones are described in relation to the essential role played in equine pregnancy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Techniques used to diagnose pregnancy in mares are described in accordance with standard industry practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain the components of a health-care programme for a pregnant mare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of adequate nutrition at different stages of pregnancy is explained in relation to healthcare of a mare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role of vaccinations and reducing infections during pregnancy is explained in relation to healthcare of a mare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of hoof care during pregnancy is explained in relation to health care of a mare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of exercise and minimising stress during pregnancy is explained in relation to healthcare of a mare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of a de-worming programme during pregnancy is explained in relation to health care of a mare. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain relevant extracts of the following relating to the humane handling of horses:
  • The Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
  • The Performing Animals Protection Act 24/35.
  • The Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act 19 of 1982.
  • Powers of Seizure Regulation 468 as contained in the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain the following:
  • Reproductive anatomy of a stallion and mare.
  • Equine gestation.
  • Techniques to diagnose pregnancy in a mare.
  • Health care programme for a pregnant mare. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to caring for a pregnant mare in which responses display that critical thinking is used for responsible decision making. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community in diagnosing and caring for a pregnant mare. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in monitoring the development, health and welfare of a pregnant mare. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about reproduction in horses in order to care for a pregnant mare. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using appropriate modes of oral and/or written persuasion in dealing with all internal and external role-players diagnosing and caring for a pregnant mare. 

    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  65669   Further Education and Training Certificate: Thoroughbred Horse Racing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 
    Elective  71469   Further Education and Training Certificate: Equine Practices  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.