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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage the production of table eggs 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119486  Manage the production of table eggs 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
To iimplement the necessary management practices to ensure the optimum health of layers and quality of eggs produced. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Production of table eggs level 2 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Egg albumen, yolk, egg shell, Haugh units, albumen height, bacterial contamination, lysozyme as natural defence against bacteria, mould growth, dust control, manure build-up, temperature, cracks, pinholes, collection times, cooling, cage floors, hygiene, storage of packaging material, storage, disinfectants, humidity. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The measurement of the internal egg quality is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The factors that influence the deterioration of internal egg quality are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The process for the formation of an egg in the reproductive tract of the hen is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The origin and types of organisms that affect the shelf-life of eggs are detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The damage to eggs resulting from equipment defects is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The various types of shell defects and the factors that are responsible for these defects are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The procedures to control bacterial cross-contamination of eggs after collection are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
The correct environmental conditions for egg storage are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
The cleaning and disinfecting practices for egg storerooms are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Vector control, sanitation, ventilation, footbaths, protective clothing, Salmonellae enteritidis, E. coli,
fly control, mortalities, housekeeping, blue combs, feed refusal, snicking, bird noise, flightiness, feather pecking, lameness, soft shells. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The various ways in which diseases are transmitted to laying hens are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The various ways in which egg quality is affected by poultry diseases are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The need for good housekeeping practices is detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The necessity of practicing good personal hygiene is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons why mortalities should be removed as soon as they are noticed are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The abnormalities in bird appearance that indicate stress or the presence of a disease are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The abnormalities in bird behavior that indicate stress or the presence of a disease are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Equipment, vaccine handling and storage, vaccination procedures for layers, documentation, safety practices, blood titers, immunity, immune status, disease challenge, layer diseases. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The most common diseases that affect the layers in cages are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The most common diseases that affect the layers in free-range systems are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The safety measures that must be adhered to, when mixing and administering vaccines to layers are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The correct procedures for the administration of vaccine to commercial layers are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The blood sampling of commercial layers and the handling of the samples is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The completion of the documentation that must accompany the blood samples is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Depopulate and clean out the layer house. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Safety procedures, electrical hazards, animal handling practices, bio-security, equipment manure removal,
beetles, equipment, dry clean, sanitizing, disinfectants, mould, feed bins, augers. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The correct procedures for the handling of cull hens during the depopulation are demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The bio-security practices to be carried out during the depopulation of the layer house are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The installation and operating procedures, to prevent the damaging of the layer house equipment are detailed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The procedures to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained during a clean out, are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
PPC, PPE, procedures as per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reasons for the dry cleaning and removal of loose equipment are detailed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The identification of the areas in which mould growth occurs is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The preventative measures to minimise the recurrence of mould growth are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
The procedures for the assembling of all the equipment after cleaning are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Hen-day-production, graphing daily egg production, egg weights, mortalities, feed intake, feed conversion, house temperatures, water consumption, body weights. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The necessity of recording the egg production and body mass data is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The interpretation of the production patterns, relative to the recorded changes in environmental conditions are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The interpretation of the production patterns, relative to any feed related problems that have been experienced, are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The purpose of recording the mortality and egg quality data and graphs is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The reconciliation of the feed consumption data, against the feed orders is demonstrated. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
As per company SOP's.
 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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 must be accredited as a provider through 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.

    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge be assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.

    The specific outcomes and essential 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, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, 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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs
  • Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers
  • Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases
  • Depopulate and clean out the layer house
  • Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs
  • Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers
  • Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases
  • Depopulate and clean out the layer house
  • Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs
  • Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers
  • Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases
  • Depopulate and clean out the layer house
  • Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyze, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs
  • Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers
  • Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases
  • Depopulate and clean out the layer house
  • Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs
  • Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers
  • Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases
  • Depopulate and clean out the layer house
  • Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs
  • Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers
  • Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases
  • Depopulate and clean out the layer house
  • Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Perform egg collection to maintain a high internal quality and external integrity of eggs
  • Apply bio-security programs to ensure optimum health of layers
  • Vaccinate commercial layers to control diseases
  • Depopulate and clean out the layer house
  • Maintain production records to monitor the performance of the laying flock 
    		•

    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
    Elective  49578   National Certificate: Poultry Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 


    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.