Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)

Designation of occupation

Animal caretaker
in the field of cattle farming
Recognised by ordinance of 17 May 2005 (BGBl. I p. 1426)

Duration of traineeship

3 years.
The venues for training are company and part-time vocational school (Berufsschule).

Field of activity

Animal caretakers work on livestock farms, in farming associations and institutions, in veterinary clinics and laboratories, in agricultural training institutes, in the agricultural goods trade and in farm management.

Occupational skills

Animal caretakers in the field of cattle farming

• produce and market breeding and slaughter cattle and milk, observing trade-specific regulations and quality standards 

• rear young animals

• feed animals in the correct manner and determine the productive capacity of the animals

• feed and keep animals using farm-specific systems and methods; clean, disinfect and maintain animal accommodation 

• conduct preventive health measures and care for sick animals following veterinary instructions and hygiene specifications

• feed calves, young cattle and cattle according to need and productivity, compile feed rations and assess the development of the animals

• meet breeding targets by choosing breeding bulls and making targeted selections from young animal and cow stocks

• assess the fertility status of a herd, conduct rutting checks and assist in the insemination process

• monitor births, provide assistance during birthing and provide care for the mother and calf

• prepare animals for auctions and animal shows, and present breeding animals

• conduct their work independently according to work contracts or plans, both alone and in a team, observing basic business management and legal principles, as well as consumer protection and animal protection

• plan and document their work, specify working steps, take measures to protect safety and health at work, check and evaluate their work results and conduct quality assurance measures

• use communication and information technologies within the enterprise and when dealing with customers

• use machines, devices and operating materials, make use of operating facilities, and maintain machines, devices and operating facilities.

Last modified on: December 12, 2006