ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) NC II TESDA Course – List of Schools

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) National Certificate II (TESDA Course)

The ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) NC II Qualification consists of core competencies that a person must achieve to confirm readiness of sow/gilt for artificial insemination, collect boar semen, perform artificial insemination (AI)on sow/gilt and prepare documentations and reports on sow/gilt artificial insemination (AI). It has an elective competencies which are to conduct community awareness program on artificial insemination and render assistance to veterinary procedures related to reproductive problems.

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

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

• Swine Artificial Insemination Technician
• Swine Breeding Technician

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) NC II COURSE QUALIFICATION

Course Title: ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE)
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration : 127 Hours

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, desirable attitudes and skills of artificial insemination technician (student/learner) in accordance with industry standards. It includes core competencies in confirming readiness of animal for artificial insemination, collecting boar semen, performing artificial insemination (AI) on sow/gilt and preparing documentations and reports on sow/gilt artificial insemination (AI) activities. It has an elective competencies on conduct of community awareness program on artificial insemination and rendering assistance to veterinary procedures related to productive problems. 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.

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 (SWINE) NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (95 Hours)
AGR621210	Confirm readiness of sow/gilt for artificial insemination
AGR621211	Collect boar semen
AGR621212	Perform artificial insemination (AI) on sow/gilt
AGR621213	Prepare documentations and reports on sow/gilt artificial insemination (AI) activities
UNIT CODE	ELECTIVE COMPETENCIES
AGR621214	Conduct community awareness program in artificial insemination
AGR621215	Render assistance to veterinary procedures related to reproductive problems
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 IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) NC II (95 Hours)

Core competency units comprising this qualification in Artificial Insemination (Swine) NC II

CONFIRM READINESS OF SOW/GILT FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AGR621210) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to confirm the readiness of sow/gilt for artificial insemination. It includes validation information on animal and assessing animal condition.

1. Validate information on animal
   • Information on confirming readiness of sow/gilt for artificial insemination was collected in clear and logical sequence.
   • Client’s and animal’s profile are recorded using the prescribed forms and in accordance with 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 confirmed.
   • Heat detection is conducted to determine the animal is on standing heat.
   • 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 heat detection.

COLLECT BOAR SEMEN (AGR621211) – 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
   • Boar is cleaned and dried in accordance with the hygiene and safety requirements.
   • AI Paraphernalia are prepared according to standard procedure.
   • Preparatory activities is performed for semen collection in accordance with the hygiene and safety requirements.
2. Perform collection of board semen
   • Boar is led to the collecting pen
   • Preputial fluid is removed according to procedure.
   • Penile area is massaged to encourage ejaculation of semen.
   • Semen is collected according to standard procedures.
   • Semen evaluated to determine semen quality.
   • Required form for semen collection is accomplished and filed.
   • Semen collection is performed to ensure safety of the boar, technician and other individuals.
3. Handle boar semen for transport
   • Collected semen is transfer to pre-warmed semen bottles.
     3.2 Semen is properly packed according to required temperature.

PERFORM ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION ON SOW/GILT (AGR621212) – 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. Conduct preparatory activities
   • Semen to be used is secured in accordance with clients’ requirements/requests.
   • AI paraphernalia is prepared in accordance to established procedures.
   • Preparatory activities is performed for AI in accordance with the hygiene and safety requirements.
2. Deposit semen
   • Sow/gilt is stimulated prior to AI.
   • Semen is deposited into the female reproductive tract following recommended procedure.
   • Task is performed without causing injuries to the animal, technician and others.
3. Perform post-artificial insemination (AI) activities
   • Cleaning of the external genitalia is performed using suitable materials.
   • Wastes disposal is performed according to existing environmental regulations.
   • Task is performed without causing injuries to the animal, technician and others
   • Clients are advised about the management of animals after AI.
   • AI activities are documented using prescribed forms.

PREPARE DOCUMENTATIONS AND REPORTS ON SOW/GILT ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI) ACTIVITIES (AGR621213) – 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.
   • Data is collected and processed as required in the forms.
   • Evidence for breed registry is secured (applicable to technicians of private farms)
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.

ELECTIVE COMPETENCIES IN IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) NC II

Elective competency units comprising this qualification in Artificial Insemination (Swine) NC II

CONDUCT COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROGRAM ON ARITIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AGR621214) – 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 gathering of information, approaching the target clients and promoting artificial insemination.

1. Prepare for the conduct of community awareness programs
   • Community 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.
   • Programs 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 community awareness programs
   • Information on artificial insemination is presented to the target clients in a clear and logical sequence.
   • Programs are conducted using effective public speaking techniques.
   • Effective approach is used to assist the community in understanding the program.
   • Opportunities are provided for the community 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.

RENDER ASSISTANCE TO VETERINARY PROCEDURES RELATED TO REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS (AGR621215) – This unit covers the required knowledge, skills and attitude to perform assistance of veterinary procedures related to swine reproductive problems, through identification, reporting and administering of treatment and preventive procedures under the supervision of a Licensed Veterinarian.

1. Recognize swine reproductive problems/diseases
   • Forms are secured from veterinarian
     1.2. Swine assessment/observation is made and
     findings are noted on the prescribed forms
     1.3. Accomplished forms are submitted to veterinarian.
     1.4. Safety precautionary measures are observed using
     the prescribed PPEs
2. Administer drugs and biologics connected with reproductive problems or disease.
   • Recommendations/prescriptions from the veterinarian are obtained
   • Drugs and biologics are secured according to veterinarian’s prescription
   • Drugs and biologics are administered according to veterinarian’s instructions
   • Client are given advice after administration of drugs and biologics
   • Veterinarian is given feedback regarding the services rendered
   • Daily/Monthly accomplishment 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.

COMMON COMPETENCIES IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) NC II (14 Hours)

Common competency units comprising this qualification in Artificial Insemination (Swine) 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 IN IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (SWINE) NC II (18 Hours)

Basic competency units comprising this qualification in Artificial Insemination (Swine) 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 sperm cells into the female’s reproductive tract (cervix) artificially using a plastic or rubber catheter
• Barrow – a male swine, castrated (testicles removed) before it reaches sexual maturity
• Boar – uncastrated male swine usually kept for breeding
• Crossbreed – a group of animals produced by mating two or more different breeds or strains of animals
• Culling – is the removal of undesirable or inferior animals in the herd based on important economic traits and overall performance
• Estrus – period of time when the female will accept male. Also known as heat period
• Farrowing – the act of giving birth in pigs or swine
• Gestation Period – refers to the period of carrying the young in the womb
• Gilt – a young female hog that has not given birth yet
• Inbreeding – mating of closely related animals in a herd
• Livestock – domestic animals kept for use on a farm and raised for sale and profit
• Litter – the offsprings at one birth of a multiparous or animal like swine
• Litter Size – refers to the aggregate number of piglets per farrowing
• Dry sow – a sow whose litter has been weaned but which has not yet been bred or is not pregnant
• Purebreeding – is the mating of the unrelated individuals in the same breed
• Ration – the total amount of feeds taken in by an animal during a 24 hour period
• Selection – refers to the process of choosing males and females with desirable characteristics either for breeding or replacement stocks
• 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
• Sow – a mature female hog that had given birth
• Swine – a collective term for hogs

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

• Canaan Hill Farms – Biliran