Herdskeeper Duties
SUMMARY
This is skilled management work of a general and specialized
nature in caring for institutional herds of cattle or swine.
Work involves the general care of the herds including breeding,
feeding, and year-round management. An employee in this class
must show proficiency in ability to plan and execute a good herd
health program and in caring for special experimental animals.
Supervision is exercised over other employees engaged in
livestock work. General policies are outlined by a superior, but
work methods and procedures are conducted independently. Work is
supervised through conferences, inspections, and review of
operating reports.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assumes responsibility for supervising breeding program
including proficiency in artificial insemination techniques.
Performs routine and complicated veterinary practices such as
pregnancy testing by palpation, taking blood samples, delivering
newborn, and giving drugs intravenously.
Maintains detailed records of herd including feeding, weights,
health, and other pertinent data for experimental animals.
Supervises workers engaged in all facets of managing and feeding
livestock.
Supervises milking of cows, farrowing of sows, and calving of
cows.
Assumes responsibility for cleaning and sanitizing buildings and
equipment, such as milking parlors and related equipment,
farrowing houses, and equipment used in treating animals.
Maintains and repairs buildings and equipment.
Performs related work as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of high school or vocational school supplemented by
specialized courses in cattle and swine care including breeding,
delivery of newborns, and administering drugs intravenously; or
any equivalent combination of training and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of cattle and hog disease, their
symptoms, remedies, and treatment.
Considerable knowledge of procedures involved in caring for
individual and particular animals such as fistulated steers,
early weaned pigs, and animals on special studies.
Considerable knowledge of modern cattle and hog herd practices
including the maintenance of equipment and of the feeding,
breeding, and general care necessary to produce healthy hogs and
cattle.
Ability to plan and manage a large cattle and swine operation.
Ability to supervise the work of livestock workers.
Ability to develop practices that will improve the care and
management of cattle and swine herds.
Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare reports.
Ability to work long hours outdoors under varied climatic
conditions to accomplish the job caring for animals.
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