ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II TESDA Course

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) National Certificate II (TESDA Course)

The ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II Qualification consists of competencies that a person must achieve to establish readiness for artificial insemination, prepare for artificial insemination (AI) operation, perform artificial insemination (AI) and prepare artificial insemination (AI) documentations and reports It has an elective competency to conduct artificial insemination awareness for clientele.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the Agri-Fishery Sector.

A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be:

• Artificial Insemination Technician
• Artificial Inseminator

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II QUALIFICATION

Course Title: ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants)
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration : 204 Hours

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, desirable attitudes and skills of artificial insemination technician in accordance with industry standards. It covers establishing readiness for artificial insemination, preparing for artificial insemination (AI) operation, performing artificial insemination (AI) and preparing artificial insemination (AI) documentations and reports. It also includes competencies in workplace communication, teamwork, practicing professionalism, safety in the use of hand tools and equipment, housekeeping and basic mathematical operations and calculations. It has elective competency in conducting artificial insemination awareness for clientele.

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to enroll in this course should possess the following requirements.

• Able to read and write;
• With good moral character;
• Able to communicate, both orally and in written; and
• Physically fit and mentally healthy as certified by a Public Health Officer

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (95 Hours)
AGR621205	Establish readiness for artificial insemination
AGR621206	Prepare for artificial insemination (AI) operation
AGR621207	Perform artificial insemination (AI)
AGR621208	Prepare artificial insemination (AI) documentations and reports
UNIT CODE	ELECTIVE COMPETENCIES
AGR621209	Conduct artificial insemination awareness for clientele
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (14 Hours)
AGR321201	Apply safety measures in farm operations
AGR321202	Use farm tools and equipment
AGR321203	Perform estimation and calculations
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (18 Hours)
500311105	Participate in workplace communication
500311106	Work in a team environment
500311107	Practice career professionalism
500311108	Practice occupational health and safety procedures

CORE COMPETENCIES (172 Hours)

Core competency units comprising this qualification in ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II

ESTABLISH READINESS FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AGR621205) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to establish animal readiness for artificial insemination. It includes validation information on animal and assessing animal condition.

1. Validate information on animal
   • Client’s and animal’s profile are recorded using the prescribed forms and accordance to standard operating procedures.
   • Transactions and coordination is made in accordance to communication etiquette…
   • Accurate interpretation and decision is made based on the gathered information
2. Assess animal condition
   • Physical condition of the animal is evaluated based on recommended standards.
   • Signs of estrus are monitored.
   • Animal is restrained using the prescribed chute.
   • Examination through rectal palpation is conducted to determine the animal’s reproductive condition.
   • Task is performed without causing injuries to the animal, technician and others.
   • Accurate interpretation and decision is made based on the result of the actual examination.

PREPARE FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AGR621206) – This unit covers the outcomes in the preparation and transport of AI equipment, tools, supplies and materials, including hygiene and safety requirements to ensure the integrity and quality of the semen prior to the AI procedure.

1. Carry-out preparatory activities
   • Sourcing of semen and LN2 supplies is made from the concerned partners
   • AI kit and LN2 tank with semen are prepared and secured during transport .
   • Preparation for AI is made in accordance with the hygiene and safety requirements.
   • Animal is restrained using suitable restraining procedures.
2. Maintain semen quality
   • Liquid nitrogen (LN2) level is monitored using the dip stick and replenished when necessary.
   • Semen inventory is done and replenished as needed based on recommended procedures.
   • Tasks are performed to ensure safety of the technician and other individuals.

PERFORM ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AGR621207) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
on the performance of artificial insemination (AI). It includes preparation and deposition of semen and the performing of post-artificial insemination (AI) activities.

1. Prepare semen
   • Semen to be used is selected in accordance with the mating plan and production objective.
   • Semen straw is prepared for AI in accordance to the established procedures.
   • Task is performed in the recommended location to ensure quality of semen and avoid injuries to technician and others.
   • Defective semen straws are discarded in accordance to environmental regulations.
2. Deposit semen
   • Cleaning of the external genitalia is performed using suitable materials and as needed.
   • Semen is deposited into the female reproductive tract following recommended standards.
   • Task is performed without causing injuries to the animal, technician and others.
3. Perform post-artificial insemination (AI) activities
   • Clients are advised about the management of animals after AI.
   • Task is performed without causing injuries to the animal, technician and others
   • Wastes are disposed according to existing environmental regulations.

PREPARE FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI) DOCUMENTATIONS AND REPORTS (AGR621208) – This unit covers the required documentation for technicians in the conduct of artificial insemination and related activities.

1. Collect and process data
   • Necessary forms are secured from partners.
   • Data is collected and processed as required in the forms.
   • Photos and other pertinent information are gathered as needed.
   • Evidence for breed registry is secured, as needed
2. Accomplish and submit forms
   • Forms are accomplished and submitted to concerned partners.
   • Summary report is prepared and submitted using required forms.
   • File copies of accomplished forms and summary report are kept and compiled by technicians according to required filing procedures.

CONDUCT ARITIFICIAL INSEMINATION AWARENESS FOR CLIENTELE (AGR621209) – This unit involves the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to conduct community awareness program on artificial insemination to the wider public. It includes competencies in preparing for the conduct and carrying out of awareness activities for clientele.

1. Prepare for the conduct of awareness activities for clientele
   • Clientele consultation is conducted to ensure that programs meet their needs.
   • Coordination with local government and relevant personnel is carried-out to determine objectives of the program.
   • Awareness activities are structured and finalized with reference to the objectives.
   • Relevant equipment, aids and other materials to be used are sourced and organized.
2. Carry-out awareness activities for clientele
   • Information on artificial insemination is presented to the target clients in a clear and logical sequence.
   • Awareness activities are conducted using effective public speaking techniques.
   • Effective approach is used to assist the clientele in understanding the program.
   • Opportunities are provided for the clientele to seek clarification on important points.
   • Routine clients questions are answered and supplemented with relevant information as needed.
   • Queries outside the area of responsibility or expertise are referred to appropriate personnel/area.
   • Objections and adverse reactions are handled fittingly.

ELECTIVE COMPETENCIES (172 Hours)

Elective competency units comprising this qualification in ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II

CONDUCT ARITIFICIAL INSEMINATION AWARENESS FOR CLIENTELE (AGR621209) – This unit involves the skills,  knowledge and attitudes required to conduct community awareness program on artificial insemination to the wider public. It includes competencies in preparing for the conduct and carrying out of awareness activities for clientele.

1. Prepare for the conduct of awareness activities for clientele
   • Clientele consultation is conducted to ensure that programs meet their needs.
   • Coordination with local government and relevant personnel is carried-out to determine objectives of the program.
   • Awareness activities are structured and finalized with reference to the objectives.
   • Relevant equipment, aids and other materials to be used are sourced and organized.
2. Carry-out awareness activities for clientele
   • Information on artificial insemination is presented to the target clients in a clear and logical sequence.
   • Awareness activities are conducted using effective public speaking techniques.
   • Effective approach is used to assist the clientele in understanding the program.
   • Opportunities are provided for the clientele to seek clarification on important points.
   • Routine clients questions are answered and supplemented with relevant information as needed.
   • Queries outside the area of responsibility or expertise are referred to appropriate personnel/area.
   • Objections and adverse reactions are handled fittingly.

COMMON COMPETENCIES (14 Hours)

Common competency units comprising this qualification in ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II

APPLY SAFETY MEASURES IN FARM OPERATIONS (AGR321201) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and  attitudes required to perform safety measures effectively and efficiently. It includes identifying areas, tools, materials, time and place in performing safety measures..

1. Determine areas of concern for safety measures
   • Work tasks are identified in line with farm operations
   • Place for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
   • Time for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
   • Appropriate tools, materials and outfits are prepared in line with job requirements
2. Apply appropriate safety measures
   • Tools and materials are used according to specifications and procedures
   • Outfits are worn according to farm requirements
   • Effectivity/shelf life/expiration of materials are strictly observed
   • Emergency procedures are known and followed to ensure a safework requirement
   • Hazards in the workplace are identified and reported in line with farm guidelines
3. Safekeep/dispose of tools, materials and outfit
   • Used tools and outfit are cleaned after use and stored in designated areas
   • Unused materials are properly labeled and stored according to manufacturers recommendation and farm requirements
   • Waste materials are disposed according to manufacturers, government and farm requirements

USE FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT (AGR321202) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to use farm tools and equipment. It includes selection, operation and preventive maintenance of farm tools and equipment.

1. Select and use farm tools
   • Identified appropriate farm tools according to requirement/use
   • Farm tools are checked for faults and defective tools reported in accordance with farm procedures
   • Appropriate tools and equipment are safely used according to job requirements and manufacturers conditions
2. Select and operate farm equipment
   • Identify appropriate farm equipment
   • Instructional manual of the farm tools and equipment are carefully read prior to operation
   • Pre-operation check-up is conducted in line with manufacturers manual
   • Faults in farm equipment are identified and reported in line with farm procedures
   • Farm equipment used according to its function
   • Followed safety procedures
3. Perform preventive maintenance
   • Tools and equipment are cleaned immediately after use in line with farm procedures
   • Routine check-up and maintenance are performed
   • Tools and equipment are stored in designated areas in line with farm procedures

PERFORM ESTIMATION AND BASIC CALCULATION (AGR321203) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to perform basic workplace calculations

1. Perform estimation
   • Job requirements are identified from written or oral communications
   • Quantities of materials and resources required to complete a work task are estimated
   • The time needed to complete a work activity is estimated
   • Accurate estimate for work completion are made
   • Estimate of materials and resources are reported to appropriate person
2. Perform basic workplace calculation
   • Calculations to be made are identified according to job requirements
   • Correct method of calculation identified
   • System and units of measurement to be followed are ascertained
   • Calculation needed to complete work tasks are performed using the four basic process of addition, division, multiplication and subtraction
   • Calculate whole fraction, percentage and mixed when are used to complete the instructions
   • Number computed in self checked and completed for alignment

BASIC COMPETENCIES (18 Hours)

Basic competency units comprising this qualification in ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (Large Ruminants) NC II

PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION (500311105) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements..

1. Obtain and convey workplace information.
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used to gather and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non-verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
   • Team meetings are attended on time
   • Own opinions are clearly expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
   • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are tasked and responded to
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents.
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data are recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/ documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT (500311106) – This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team..

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate  external sources
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM (500311107) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals.
   • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
   • Intra and interpersonal relationships are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance
     evaluation
   • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
2. Set and meet work priorities.
   • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
   • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
   • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
3. Maintain professional growth and development.
   • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
   • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
   • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES (500311108) – This unit covers the outcomes  required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and safety.

1. Identify hazards and risks
   • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
   • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to coworkers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
   • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedure
2. Evaluate hazard and risks
   • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
   • Effects of the hazards are determined
   • OHS issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OHS legislation
3. Control hazards and risks
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently followed
   • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OHS policies
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices
   • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
4. Maintain occupational health and safety awareness
   • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
   • OHS personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Artificial Insemination – introduction of semen (sperm cells in semi fluid) into the female’s reproductive tract using instruments.
• Barrow – a male swine, castrated (testicles removed) before reaching sexual maturity
• Bellowing – a sound made by animals to call someone’s attention, which is profoundly pronounced in females in estrus; vocalization of an animal in estrus to attract the opposite sex
• Boar – uncastrated male swine usually kept for breeding
• Body condition scoring system – refers to the system or method of evaluating the over-all condition of animals(such as nutritional status of animals particularly dairy animals) based on body conformation; scoring ranges from 1-5 where score 1 is very thin and score 5 is very fat or obese
• Breed – is a group of animals or plants with a homogeneous appearance, behavior, and other characteristics that distinguish it from other animals or plants of the same species
• Breeding calendar – refers to the schedule of breeding (thru AI or natural mating) of individual animal or animals in the herd, where dates of estrus, breeding, dried off (off from milk), calving, pregnancy diagnosis, fertility status and other reproductive related events are reflected; it is an efficient tool that provides important information on the events of each heifer/cow in the herd; a modified (circular) calendar that can monitor the reproductive activity of animals.
• Calf – a newly born male or female cattle or buffalo; a young offspring of cattle or buffalo
• Calf drop – refers to the calf born on the ground; an offsring of cattle or carabao born alive
• Calving – the act or process of parturition or delivering calf
• Cervix – from the Latin cervix uteri, meaning “neck of the womb”, is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall; part of the reproductive tract, which is sphincter-like structure that projects posteriorly to the vagina and connects anteriorly to the uterus
• Chute– is a channel or a holding area in handling or sorting animals; is a structure used to restrain cattle or carabao which measures 2m L x 1.0 m width x 1.2m H
• Colostrum – first milk, within 24 hours , from a female animal after giving birth
• Cow – a mature female cattle or buffalo that has given birth or delivered a young
• Crossbreed – a group of animals produced by mating two or more different breeds or strains of animals; an offspring produced from the mating of two distinct breeds of animals of the same species
• Culling –removal of undesirable or inferior animals in the herd based on important economic traits and overall performance
• Estrus – also refers to as heat period; time when a female animal is receptive to accept male ; physiologically, when the hormone estrogen is at its peak
• External genitalia – sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, as narrowly defined, is any of the anatomical parts of the body which are involved in sexual reproduction and constitute the reproductive system in a complex organism
• Gestation Period – refers to the period of carrying the young in the womb or pregnancy
• Heifer – a young female cattle or buffalo that has not given birth
• Inbreeding – mating of closely related animals in a herd
• Liquid nitrogen (LN2) – is nitrogen in a liquid state at a very low temperature (boiling point is -196oC and freezing point is -210oC), a colourless clear liquid and is often referred to by the abbreviation, LN2 or “LIN” or “LN”; and is a cryogenic fluid which can cause rapid freezing on contact with living tissue, which may lead to frostbite
• Large ruminants– well-known large grazing or browsing mammals. Refers to a group of large animals, cattle and water buffalo, that are characterized by the four compartments of their stomach (rumen, reticulum, omassum and abomassum), which could subsist on forage grasses or vegetation
• Livestock – domestic animals kept for use on a farm and raised for sale and profit Mating plan- is a system of identifying which cow/heifer is mated/bred to which bull; a systematic plan of breeding animals designed to improve a particular trait/s
• Nutrients – food elements or substance found in the feeds such as protein, carbohydrates, fats and others
• Practice animal – is an animal kept in the farm identified to be used in the practice of any production/reproduction activity and not necessarily of productive use to contribute sales in the farm, like, animals used in the practice of insertion in the conduct of AI proficiency; an animal used in trainings for artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis
• Pregnancy diagnosis– a technique or a method of determining or diagnosing a pregnant animal; a procedure used to determine pregnancy through rectal palpation or other methods
• Purebreeding – is the mating of the unrelated individuals of in the same breed Ruminants – refers to animals with complex digestive system e.g. cattle, carabao, goats and sheep
• Semen– is an organic fluid from male animals, also known as seminal fluid, that may contain spermatozoa; a male secretion that consists of the seminal fluid and sperm cells
• Semen straw– small plastic straw holding between 0.4 and 1.0 ml of semen; is a type of packing material used in the processing and storage of semen
• Selection – refers to the process of choosing males and females with desirable characteristics either for breeding or replacement stocks
• Signs of estrus – refers to the behavioral, external and physiological manifestations of females in estrus, which includes swelling of the vulva, reddening of the vaginal epithelium, mucus discharge, mounting behavior, restlessness, lacks of appetite, standing still when mounted and tonus of the uterus
• Sire – a male animal intended as breeding bull or used as breeding bull; a genetically superior male animal used for natural breeding or semen donor
• Steer – a young male calf one year to 18 months old
• Suffocation – also known as asphyxia or asphyxiation (from Greek α- “without” and σ φύξις sphyxis, “heartbeat”) is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from being unable to breathe normally for eg., due to choking, accidental strangling of the rope on the neck, etc.
• Vulvar lips – refers to the two folds of skin, the labia minora and majora
• Vulva– from the Latin vulva, plural vulvae, consists of the external genital organs of the female mammal; a female external genitalia
• Working corral– an area where the animals are hold for handling and sorting and other production activities are being done

List of Schools that offer TESDA Courses for ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION ((Large Ruminants) NC II

• Canaan Hill Farms – Biliran