SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by SEG Awards. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 767 hours.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Adopt good bio-security practices at work
- Identify common bio-security hazards in a farm environment
- Describe the importance of following organisational bio-security rules
- Demonstrate correct hand washing techniques before and after animal contact
- Demonstrate proper use of footbaths and boot cleaning stations
- Apply correct procedures for donning and doffing disposable gloves
- State the reasons for restricting visitor access to livestock areas
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist in catching poultry
- Demonstrate the correct technique for catching and holding a poultry bird with assistance.
- Identify potential hazards and risks when handling poultry in a farm environment.
- Explain the importance of calm, confident handling to minimise bird stress and prevent injury.
- Apply appropriate restraint methods when lifting and crating birds.
- Inspect and prepare crates or carriers to ensure they are safe, clean, and suitable for transport.
- Perform a basic welfare check on birds before and after catching to assess condition.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist with preparation and the monitoring of livestock outdoors
- Identify key features of a safe and suitable outdoor site for specified livestock.
- Describe the purpose of basic site preparation tasks such as fencing, shelter, and water supply.
- Demonstrate ability to assist in setting up and maintaining outdoor site equipment under supervision.
- Monitor livestock behaviour and physical condition and correctly report any abnormalities.
- Assist with the safe introduction of livestock to an outdoor site following established procedures.
- Apply health and safety procedures, including the correct use of PPE, during all outdoor tasks.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist with preparing and maintaining livestock accommodation
- Identify the steps required to prepare livestock accommodation for occupancy.
- Demonstrate the correct procedure for cleaning and disinfecting livestock accommodation.
- Apply appropriate bedding materials to livestock accommodation.
- Maintain livestock accommodation by checking and repairing fixtures and fittings.
- Follow health and safety procedures when preparing and maintaining livestock accommodation.
- Work safely and under supervision when handling livestock accommodation tasks.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist with the care of animals
- Identify common signs of good and ill health in farm animals.
- Demonstrate safe handling and restraint techniques for farm animals.
- Assist in providing food and water to farm animals according to instructions.
- Report signs of ill health to the appropriate person.
- Maintain cleanliness of feeding and watering equipment.
- Follow health and safety procedures when caring for farm animals.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist with the Maintenance of Equipment
- Prepare equipment for maintenance by cleaning and inspecting it for defects.
- Identify and report any faults or damage found during equipment inspection.
- Assist in carrying out routine maintenance tasks on farm animal care equipment.
- Use appropriate tools and materials safely during maintenance activities.
- Follow health and safety procedures when assisting with equipment maintenance.
- Work under supervision and follow instructions accurately during maintenance tasks.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist with the movement and handling of farm animals
- Identify safe methods for moving farm animals on a site.
- Describe the correct use of handling equipment for farm animals.
- Demonstrate assisting with the movement of farm animals under supervision.
- Demonstrate assisting with the handling of farm animals under supervision.
- Recognise signs of stress or distress in farm animals during handling.
- Follow health and safety procedures when moving and handling farm animals.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist with the movement of animals
- Identify appropriate handling equipment for moving different farm animals
- Demonstrate safe techniques for moving animals between locations
- Apply correct procedures for loading and unloading animals onto vehicles
- Recognize signs of stress or distress in animals during movement
- Follow biosecurity and hygiene protocols when moving animals
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Assist with the transport supplies of physical resources within the work area
- Demonstrate correct manual handling techniques when loading and unloading physical resources.
- Identify potential hazards associated with transporting resources within the work area.
- Apply appropriate safety measures to prevent injury to self and others during transport.
- Assist in the safe and efficient transport of resources using suitable equipment.
- Communicate effectively with team members during loading and unloading operations.
- Follow workplace procedures for the transport of physical resources.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Bed down farm animals
- Know that clean bedding needs to be provided for farm animals
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Characteristics and breeds of poultry
- Identify at least three common poultry breeds from visual observation.
- Describe the key physical characteristics of each identified breed.
- State the primary purpose (e.g., egg production, meat, ornamental) of each identified breed.
- Recognise common behavioural traits associated with different poultry breeds.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Check that poultry are healthy
- Identify signs of good health in poultry
- Recognise common signs of ill health in poultry
- Explain why regular health checks are important for poultry welfare
- Demonstrate how to handle poultry safely during a health check
- Record health check findings accurately
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Clean farm animal housing
- Be able to clean out farm animal pen/housing and bed down, Know why farm animal housing needs cleaning
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Clean poultry accommodation by hand
- Be able to clean poultry accommodation by hand, Know why poultry accommodation is cleaned
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Collect and sort poultry eggs
- Identify the equipment and materials needed for collecting and sorting eggs
- Demonstrate the correct technique for collecting eggs from nests or cages
- Apply hygiene procedures before and during egg collection
- Sort eggs according to size and quality criteria
- Handle eggs carefully to minimize breakage and contamination
- Record the number of eggs collected and sorted
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Communicating with others at work
- Understanding how to communicate appropriately with others at work
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Disinfect poultry accommodation
- Be able to disinfect poultry accommodation, Know how to maintain the health and safety of people and birds when disinfecting poultry accommodation
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Farm Animal Health
- Identify common farm animal breeds and distinguish between genders accurately.
- Differentiate between signs of good health and ill health in farm animals.
- Describe the purpose and methods of farm animal identification systems.
- Demonstrate safe and effective techniques for moving farm animals.
- Assist in the administration of veterinary medicines under supervision.
- Apply safe working practices to minimise risks when handling farm animals.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Feed farm animals
- Identify appropriate feed types for common farm animals (cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry).
- Prepare measured quantities of feed according to a feeding plan.
- Demonstrate safe manual handling techniques when carrying feed.
- Follow hygiene protocols before and after feeding animals.
- State the importance of providing clean, fresh water alongside feed.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Feed young farm animals
- Demonstrate correct preparation of milk substitute according to manufacturer's instructions
- Apply appropriate feeding techniques to ensure adequate intake
- Explain the nutritional benefits of milk substitute over whole milk
- Identify signs of underfeeding or overfeeding in young animals
- Maintain cleanliness of feeding equipment to prevent disease
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Grading poultry eggs
- Identify industry-standard weight categories for poultry eggs.
- Operate manual and digital scales to weigh individual eggs.
- Sort eggs into correct grade classes based on weight.
- Maintain accurate records of egg grading activities.
- Apply hygiene protocols to prevent contamination during handling.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Introduction to customer care
- Define customer care in the context of farm animal care
- Identify own responsibilities in providing good customer care
- List examples of positive customer interactions
- Describe the importance of clear communication with customers
- Recognise the impact of animal welfare on customer satisfaction
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Lamb Hypothermia
- Identify the main environmental and physiological causes of hypothermia in newborn lambs.
- Differentiate between mild, moderate, and severe stages of hypothermia based on observable signs.
- Implement effective husbandry strategies to minimise the risk of lamb hypothermia.
- Demonstrate appropriate techniques for detecting hypothermic lambs and initiating resuscitation procedures.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Maintain a fence
- Identify common types of damage to farm fences, such as broken wires, loose posts, or sagging gates
- Describe the potential consequences of neglected fence maintenance on animal welfare and farm security
- Demonstrate safe and correct use of basic fencing tools including pliers, strainers, and post drivers
- Perform a simple wire fence repair, such as splicing a break or reattaching stock netting
- Explain the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) when maintaining fences
- Outline a basic routine for periodic fence checks
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Move a farm animal
- Identify the natural flight zones and behavior patterns of common farm animals to facilitate safe movement.
- Demonstrate correct positioning and use of handling aids, such as gates, boards, and paddles, when moving a farm animal.
- Assess the environment for potential hazards before moving an animal to ensure safety.
- Apply low-stress handling techniques to move a farm animal calmly and efficiently.
- Evaluate the welfare implications of improper handling practices on farm animals.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Move and prepare farm animal pens
- Identify the different components and fixings of a typical farm animal pen.
- Demonstrate the correct sequence for dismantling a pen to avoid damage or injury.
- Safely move pen sections using appropriate manual handling techniques.
- Reassemble the pen ensuring all joints are secure and the structure is stable.
- Inspect the completed pen for potential hazards to animal safety before use.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Poultry housing and bedding
- Identify different types of poultry housing systems (e.g., free-range, barn, cage).
- Describe the key features of appropriate poultry accommodation (e.g., perches, nesting boxes, shelter).
- Explain the importance of ventilation and lighting in poultry housing.
- Select suitable bedding materials for poultry and justify the choice.
- Recognise signs of inadequate housing that may compromise poultry welfare.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of basic preparation and operation of a tractor
- Identify the key components of a tractor and their functions.
- Describe the pre-operation checks required before using a tractor.
- Explain the correct procedure for mounting and starting a tractor.
- Demonstrate how to fit an attachment securely to a tractor.
- Operate a tractor with an attachment safely and competently.
- State the safety precautions to be taken when operating a tractor.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of good bio-security practices at work
- State the main reasons for implementing bio-security on a farm.
- Identify key control points where bio-security measures should be applied.
- Demonstrate correct handwashing and personal decontamination procedures.
- Explain the process for isolating new or sick animals according to farm policy.
- Outline the correct procedure for cleaning and disinfecting footwear and equipment.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of the care of animals
- Identify signs of good health in farm animals (e.g., bright eyes, clean coat, normal posture)
- List common signs of illness or injury (e.g., limping, coughing, loss of appetite)
- Demonstrate how to check an animal's living environment for hazards
- Explain the importance of providing fresh, clean water daily
- Describe appropriate types of feed for different farm animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, pigs)
- State the frequency of feeding for common farm animals
- Outline safe and hygienic practices when handling feed and water containers
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of the Maintenance of Equipment
- Identify and select appropriate tools and materials for basic equipment maintenance.
- Describe the correct sequence for cleaning and disinfecting feeding and watering equipment.
- Demonstrate safe manual handling techniques when moving equipment.
- Explain the importance of following manufacturers' instructions and farm safety policies.
- Recognise hazards and risks associated with common farm maintenance tasks.
- Perform a visual safety check on a piece of equipment before use.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of the movement and handling of farm animals
- Identify the flight zone and point of balance in common farm animals
- Describe how to use body position and movement to guide animals calmly
- Demonstrate safe use of basic handling equipment such as gates and boards
- List potential hazards to handlers and animals when moving livestock
- Explain why low-stress handling improves animal welfare and productivity
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of the movement of animals
- Explain the principles of safe and low-stress animal movement.
- Describe the correct procedure for loading cattle onto a livestock trailer.
- Identify common handling aids used for different farm animal species.
- Demonstrate the appropriate method to move a single animal versus a group.
- Outline the legal responsibilities when transporting farm animals.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of the preparation and the monitoring of livestock outdoors
- Identify the key resources required to prepare an outdoor site for specified livestock.
- Describe safe procedures for introducing new livestock to an outdoor environment.
- Demonstrate how to conduct daily visual health checks on livestock.
- Explain the importance of maintaining clean water and feed sources outdoors.
- Recognise potential hazards when working with livestock in outdoor settings.
- Apply appropriate biosecurity measures before and after handling animals.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles of transporting supplies of physical resources within the work area
- Demonstrate correct manual handling techniques when lifting and moving feed sacks or bedding bales
- Select appropriate transport equipment (e.g., wheelbarrow, pallet truck) for a given resource and route
- Identify potential hazards when transporting supplies through a livestock area
- Apply safe loading and unloading procedures to prevent spillage or injury
- Conduct a pre-use check of transport equipment to ensure it is safe and functional
- Explain how to maintain clear access routes to prevent accidents and ensure animal welfare
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Principles pf preparing and maintaining livestock accommodation
- Identify different types of livestock accommodation and state their purposes for common farm animals.
- Describe the correct procedure for preparing clean, comfortable bedding appropriate to the species.
- Explain the importance of ventilation and temperature control in maintaining a healthy environment.
- List the steps for daily maintenance checks, including water, feed, and structural integrity.
- Demonstrate safe cleaning and disinfection techniques to prevent cross-contamination.
- Recognise potential hazards when working with livestock and within accommodation areas.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Provide food and water for poultry
- Identify the main types of poultry feed and their appropriate uses.
- Demonstrate correct procedures for providing measured amounts of feed to poultry.
- Describe the importance of clean, fresh water and methods to ensure its availability.
- Recognise signs of dehydration or underfeeding in poultry.
- Perform basic checks to maintain hygienic feeding and watering equipment.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Recognise a healthy farm animal
- Identify key physical indicators of a healthy farm animal (e.g., coat condition, eyes, posture).
- Describe normal behavioural patterns for common farm animals (cattle, sheep, pigs).
- Explain why regular health checks are essential for animal welfare and farm productivity.
- List common signs of illness or distress in farm animals.
- Outline a basic health check procedure for a farm animal.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Recognise farm animal housing
- Identify different types of farm animal housing
- Explain the importance of safe and secure housing for farm animals
- Describe basic safety features required in animal accommodation
- List potential hazards arising from inadequate housing
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Recognise farm animals
- Identify common farm animals by sight and name
- Match correct gender terms to farm animals
- Use correct breeding terms for farm animals
- Demonstrate understanding of farm animal terminology in a practical context
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Recognise the body parts of poultry and their function
- Identify the main external body parts of a chicken or duck, including head, body, wings, and legs.
- Describe the function of each identified body part, such as the beak for eating and preening, or feet for scratching and perching.
- Differentiate between the anatomical features of a chicken and a duck, noting variations like the bill shape and webbed feet.
- Relate the condition of body parts to common health and welfare indicators, e.g., comb color as a sign of health.
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Weigh farm animals
- Be able to weigh farm animals
SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills (Entry 3)
Working towards goals
- Identify a specific, achievable goal related to practical farm animal care.
- Explain the relevance of the chosen goal to personal development and animal welfare.
- Prepare a structured action plan with clear steps and timelines.
- Describe methods for self-assessment and gathering feedback on progress.
- Review progress against the plan, making adjustments where necessary.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 500/9652/7
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- SEG Awards
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- May 2010