[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
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: 

Understand animal nutrition 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116055  Understand 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 2  NQF Level 02  7 
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 
The learner achieving this unit standard will understand the basic concepts used in animal nutrition, maintaining, preserving, modifying and enhancing the nutrient value of animal feeds and follow correct on-farm feeding practices. In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of Animal production in 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 1: Apply standard animal feeding practices.
  • NQF 1: Apply basic food safety practices.
  • NQF 1: Maintain basic water quality. 
    		•

    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 
    Understand basic nutrient groups, functions, feed ingredients and groups. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Functions for nutrients include but are not limited to maintenance, stimulation and production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of each nutrient group and its role in the body is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, minerals, vitamins, water.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to identify principal ingredient groupings is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Feed ingredients include but are not limited to grains, plant and animal proteins, NPN, pulses (oil seeds), fibre, minerals and vitamins.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to identify principal feed groupings is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Feed includes but is not limited to natural vegetation and veld, planted crops, pastures, hay, silage, dry concentrates, algeal cultures and whole animals, animal products, complete feeds and supplements.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Following correct on-farm storage procedures to maintain feed quality. 
    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 operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct feed storage procedures are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Feed storage includes but is not limited to bags, bins, silos, heaps, warehouses, boxes, cages, as relevant to the context of operation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate basic fire control and management precautions are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Precautionary insect and rodent control is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply stock control and records. 
    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 operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Recording and reporting on levels of feed stock is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An appropriate measure to secure feed stock against theft is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Knowledge of requisitions, replenishment and stock assessment are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All stock levels, gains or reductions are recorded and reported appropriately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Feed processing for on-farm use. 
    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 operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Feed ingredients can be identified correctly according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate feed type, quality and quantity is selected from feed store for the appropriate application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Feed is mixed correctly according to formulation where appropriate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Recording and reporting on feed levels in stock is performed accurately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate feed quality before allowing animals access to the 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 operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Feed quality assessment is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to remove sub-standard or waste feeds. Is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to report and record actions taken is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to identify reasons for deviations and actions is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply correct feeding practices. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Feeding strategies appropriate to extensive, semi-intensive and intensive production systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to ensure continuous water supply is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to observe and report regularly on feed availability is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to co-ordinate maintenance of feeding equipment is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Troughs, dispensers, founts etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to allow animals access to feed according to program is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Identify abnormal feeding behaviour. 
    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.

    Animals include but are not limited to mammals, reptiles, birds, crustaceans, molluscs, fish and insects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Animals are assessed regarding their feeding habits over time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Abnormal feeding behaviour is recorded and reported. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Abnormal feeding behaviour in animals includes but is not limited to low intake, feed selection, feed rejection, vomiting, weight-loss (or lack of weight gain), over consumption overfeeding.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Any deviation or observations regarding feeding are observed and reported. 


    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.
  • Following procedures of record keeping, stock control and sensory feed evaluation and feeding programmes.
  • Responsibilities for following out tasks and apply known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Co-operating with and guiding others (develop communication skills).
  • Feed quality deviations.
  • Abnormal feeding behaviour.
  • The purpose of achieving these outcomes.
  • Reporting skills.
  • Data gathering skills 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem Solving: Relates to outcomes:
  • Follow correct on-farm storage procedures to maintain feed quality.
  • Apply stock control and records. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork: Relates to all outcomes. 

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

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Interrelatedness of systems: Relates to all outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Self-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  48976   National Certificate: Animal Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48977   National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems  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. AVCASA 
    2. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    4. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    5. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    6. Dihwai Food Cultural and Agricultural Services 
    7. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    8. Emadlangeni Skills Development Academy NPC 
    9. Escay Catering and other Services 
    10. Ghoenas Kraal Opleiding Sentrum 
    11. Heedmorine Training 
    12. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    13. KABELANO TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    14. Kimbali Holdings 
    15. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    16. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    17. Maishamalema Development Training 
    18. Maleleza Farming Enterprise Pty Ltd 
    19. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    20. Marang Women in Agric and Development 
    21. Mathapuso Construction and Projects 
    22. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    23. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    24. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    25. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    26. Mpontshe Training 
    27. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    28. Mvelo Consultant 
    29. New Heights 1082 Pty Ltd 
    30. Nophelo Training Centre 
    31. Novi General Services 
    32. Peritum Agri Institute 
    33. Phezukomkhono Training Services 
    34. Phill Skills and Development Institute 
    35. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    36. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    37. Setlakala Business Development 
    38. Siyafundisa I Africa 
    39. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    40. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    41. Take Note Trading 227 cc 
    42. Taletso FET College - Central Office 
    43. Thuto Boshwa Skills Development Services 
    44. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    45. Tripple R Training Provider 
    46. University of Limpopo 
    47. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    48. 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.