AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
PAPER ONE (P1)
GRADE 12 
NSC EXAM PAPERS AND MEMOS
NOVEMBER 2016

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 

  1. This question paper consists of TWO sections, namely SECTION A and  SECTION B. 
  2. Answer ALL the questions in the ANSWER BOOK.
  3. Start EACH question on a NEW page.
  4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this  question paper.
  5. You may use a non-programmable calculator.
  6. Show ALL calculations, including formulae, where applicable.
  7. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTIONS

SECTION A 
QUESTION 1 
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.  Write down the question number (1.1.1–1.1.10), choose the answer and make  a cross (X) over the letter (A–D) of your choice in the ANSWER BOOK. 
EXAMPLE: 

1.1.11 agric s 1
1.1.1 Farm animals that chew on foreign objects, like rags, show a  symptom of a/an … deficiency. 

    1. iron
    2. phosphorus
    3. copper 
    4. sodium 

1.1.2 To ensure an increased population of cellulolytic organisms in the  rumen, the farmer should feed animals large quantities of ... 

    1. roughage.
    2. starch.
    3. vitamins.
    4. Protein. 

1.1.3 Young, growing animals require feed with a narrow nutritive ratio  because ...  

    1. it supplies more carbohydrates than protein.
    2. the level of protein is equivalent to that of carbohydrates.
    3. it has more protein than carbohydrates and minerals. 
    4. protein is directly proportional to carbohydrates. 

1.1.4 The non-nitrogen content in a feed with a TDN of 75% and DP  of 12%: 

    1. 87%
    2. 25%
    3. 63%
    4. 75%

1.1.5 The statements below apply to the management of chickens in an  intensive production unit: 

  1. Selection of high-quality chickens
  2. Inadequate floor space and feeding space
  3. Easy cleaning of broiler house
  4. Economy of construction of broiler house
    Choose the CORRECT combination: 
    1. (i), (ii) and (iii)
    2. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
    3. (i), (ii) and (iv)
    4. (i), (iii) and (iv) 

1.1.6 The following is NOT a measure to prevent absorption of a poison  already ingested: 

    1. Animals should be kept away from drinking water.
    2. Administer tannic acid. 
    3. Dose animals with sugar or glucose.
    4. Provide supplementary feeding. 

1.1.7 Examples of production systems applicable to pigs: 

    1. Backyard and free range
    2. Backyard and deep litter
    3. House run and free range
    4. Free range and deep litter 

1.1.8 Which ONE of the statements below about the seriousness of  animal diseases is INCORRECT? 

    1. Chronic diseases are long-lasting and recur in the same  animals.
    2. Peracute diseases are sudden and animals die without  previous signs.
    3. Acute diseases are sudden and may become chronic.
    4. Acute diseases cannot be cured. 

1.1.9 A visible sign of a cow that is about to go into parturition: 

    1. Rhythmic contraction of the muscles of the uterus
    2. Frequent urination and defecation 
    3. Enlarged vagina and cervix to form one common canal
    4. Cow searching for a bull 

1.1.10 A hormone in lucerne and clover pastures that may lead to  pregnant animals coming into oestrus:  

    1. Relaxin
    2. Oxytocin 
    3. Oestrogen
    4. Prolactin (10 x 2)

(20)

1.2 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN B applies to A ONLY,  B ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN A. Write A only, B only, both A and B or none next to the question number (1.2.1–1.2.5) in  the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.2.6 B only.  

COLUMN A 

COLUMN B

1.2.1

A: 

Biuret 

A protein supplement in the ration of  ruminant animals during dry winter months

B: 

Molasses 

1.2.2

A: 

Tranquillisers 

Substances given to animals to regulate  metabolism and growth rate

B: 

Antibiotics

1.2.3

A: 

Modified environment

Intensive production system 

B: 

Feeding closely  

monitored 

1.2.4

A: 

Dosing 

Appropriate method of administering  medicines for the treatment of external  parasites 

B: 

Spraying 

1.2.5

A: 

Embryo transplant 

Removal and transfer of fertilised ova  from genetically superior cows into the uterus of recipient cows

B: 

Artificial insemination 

(5 x 2) (10) 

1.3 Give ONE word/term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the  word/term next to the question number (1.3.1–1.3.5) in the ANSWER BOOK. 

1.3.1 A metabolic disorder resulting from a vitamin B1 deficiency that  causes neuromuscular problems 
1.3.2 The type of host represented by a snail in the life cycle of a fluke  worm 
1.3.3 The normal animal birth presentation where the head rests on the  feet and the nose is stretched towards the pelvis 
1.3.4 The process during which the nucleus of a female egg cell is  removed for nuclear transfer 
1.3.5 A device that is placed around the lower leg of a cow on heat to  detect and record movement (5 x 2)

(10)

1.4 Change the UNDERLINED WORD(S) in each of the following statements to make them TRUE. Write only the answer next to the question number  (1.4.1–1.4.5) in the ANSWER BOOK. 

1.4.1 Fodder flow refers to the amount of feed consumed by an animal to  gain a kilogram of body weight.  
1.4.2 Foot-and-mouth disease is a non-contagious animal disease  whereby the pathogen will multiply inside the host. 
1.4.3 The recipient cow has superior genetic traits to produce the desired  ova.  
1.4.4 The lactation period is the time when the udder prepares for  optimum milk production.  
1.4.5 The condition where the vagina protrudes from the vulva resulting  in sterility, is called abortion. (5 x 1) (5)  

TOTAL SECTION A: 45

SECTION B 
QUESTION 2: ANIMAL NUTRITION 
Start this question on a NEW page. 
2.1 The diagrams below represent the alimentary canals of two farm animals.  
2.1 AGRI

2.1.1 Which farm animal above (FARM ANIMAL 1 or FARM ANIMAL 2)  is a non-ruminant? (1) 
2.1.2 Give ONE reason for the answer to QUESTION 2.1.1. (1) 
2.1.3 Indicate the type of feed which constitutes the greatest percentage  of the ration for FARM ANIMAL 1. (1) 
2.1.4 Give ONE reason for the answer to QUESTION 2.1.3. (1) 
2.1.5 Write down the letter (A–E) of the part that enables FARM  ANIMAL 1 to digest the type of feed in QUESTION 2.1.3. (1) 
2.1.6 Explain how EACH of D and E in FARM ANIMAL 2 assist in the  digestion of grain feed. (2)  

2.2 The diagram below is a schematic representation of the energy flow in a farm animal. 
2.2 AGR

2.2.1 Refer to the schematic representation above and identify A, B  and C. (3) 
2.2.2 Identify the type of energy that serves as a potential energy value  of a feed. (1) 
2.2.3 Write down the formula used to work out digestible energy. (1)
2.2.4 Give TWO reasons why net energy is important to livestock. (2) 

2.3 The table below shows feeds with different biological values (BV) and energy  values.   

TYPE OF FEED 

BIOLOGICAL VALUE (BV)

ENERGY VALUE  

(%)

Maize 

60 

80

Fishmeal 

90 

30

Lucerne 

75 

45

Barley 

50 

60

Related Items

2.3.1 Identify, with a reason, a feed in the table above that will be  suitable for: 

    1. Growing calves (2) 
    2. Cattle fattened for sale (2)
    3. Non-producing cows (2) 

2.3.2 Give a reason for the high biological value of lucerne compared  with the biological value of barley. (2)

2.4 Farm animals have certain fodder requirements at various stages of growth  and production. The table below represents feed requirements and resources  available over a twelve-month period. 

ITEM 

FIRST 6 MONTHS (RAINY SEASON)

LAST 6 MONTHS (DRY SEASON) 

TOTAL

Need per cow per  day 

12 kg 

15 kg

 

Feed requirements  in 6 months 

108 000 kg 

… 

Resources available  per month (kg) 

1,5 ton/ha 

0,15 ton/ha 

415 800 kg  per year

Total area for camps (ha) 

42 

42 

42

Number of animals 

50 

30

 

2.4.1 Calculate the total feed required by the animals for a year. Show  ALL calculations. (3) 
2.4.2 Calculate, in kilogram (kg), the amount of available feed in the  camps in the dry season. (2) 
2.4.3 Refer to the values in QUESTION 2.4.2 and identify the feed flow  problem that the farmer will encounter in the dry season. (2) 
2.4.4 Give a sustainable action the farmer needs to take to reduce the  impact of the problem in QUESTION 2.4.3. (1) 

2.5 

A balanced ration of maize meal with 14% DP and sunflower oilcake meal  with 45% DP was prepared for a dairy herd. The feeds were mixed at a ratio  of 12 : 19. The animals' digestible protein requirement is 26%.

2.5.1 Determine the amount of EACH feed needed to prepare 600 kg of  the ration if maize meal is 61,29% and sunflower oilcake meal  is 38,71%. (4) 
2.5.2 Indicate the feed that will constitute 19 parts. (1)

[35]

QUESTION 3: ANIMAL PRODUCTION, PROTECTION AND CONTROL 
Start this question on a NEW page. 
3.1 The table below represents information on the floor space required for pigs  per live mass.  

LIVE MASS (kg) 

FLOOR SPACE REQUIRED FOR 10 PIGS (m2)

20 

14

40 

22

60 

30

80 

37

100 

42

120 

47

140 

53

3.1.1 Draw a bar graph to indicate the live mass of pigs and the floor  space they require. (6)  
3.1.2 Refer to the table above and indicate the trend in terms of floor  space required in relation to the live mass of pigs. (2) 

3.2 The photograph below shows an apparatus used to perform certain livestock  management practices. 
63 an apparatus used to perform certain livestock management practice

3.2.1 Identify the apparatus above. (1)
3.2.2 Name TWO management practices for this apparatus in sheep. (2) 
3.2.3 Give ONE reason why EACH management practice in  QUESTION 3.2.2 is important. (2)

The loading and transportation of farm animals may cause enormous stress  and physical injuries. Proper facilities should be used when loading animals.  A permit must be carried when transporting farm animals.

3.3.1 Name the facility used to direct farm animals towards the loading  ramp. (1) 
3.3.2 Give TWO measures to consider when designing the facility in  QUESTION 3.3.1. (2) 
3.3.3 Identify the relevant document to be carried by the driver when transporting farm animals. (1) 
3.3.4 State TWO precautionary measures a farmer has to take to reduce stress when transporting farm animals. (2) 

3.4 The picture below represents the life cycle of a type of fly that attacks farm  animals, especially wool sheep. 
64 life cycle of a type of fly
3.5 Identify the control measures a farmer may take to prevent plant poisoning in  EACH of the following situations: 3.4.1 Identify the parasite in the life cycle above. (1)
3.4.2 Indicate the most harmful stage in the life cycle of this parasite. (1) 
3.4.3 Identify the condition caused by the stage in QUESTION 3.4.2 that  occurs in the wounds of wool sheep. (1) 
3.4.4 Give the term used for the removal of wool around the tail and  rear leg areas. (1) 
3.4.5 Name THREE non-chemical management practices used to control  infestation by this parasite. (3)

3.5.1 Animals graze after being transported over long distances (1)
3.5.2 Animals feed on hay kept in stables (1)
3.5.3 Overgrazed or overstocked camps (1) 

3.6 

H1N1 is a respiratory disease of fowls caused by the Type A influenza virus.  This disease is very resistant and can remain infectious for many months.  Swine fever is also a highly contagious, notifiable viral disease. The organism  causing the disease can remain viable for several weeks in unprocessed pig  meat. Both diseases are enzootic. 

3.6.1 Name the pathogen responsible for both H1N1 and swine fever. (1)
3.6.2 Identify a common characteristic of H1N1 and swine fever. (1) 
3.6.3 Give TWO roles of the state in controlling the spreading of these  diseases. (2) 
3.6.4 State TWO economic implications of these diseases. (2)

[35]

QUESTION 4: ANIMAL REPRODUCTION 
Start this question on a NEW page. 
4.1 The graph below shows the volume and concentration of semen in different  farm animals. 
GRAPH 4

4.1.1 Determine the concentration of semen at a volume of 6 mℓ in dairy  cattle. (1) 
4.1.2 Refer to the graph and give the correlation between semen volume and semen concentration of dairy cattle and sheep. (4) 

4.2 The colour and quality of semen will determine the success of artificially  inseminating livestock. 

4.2.1 Give a reason why semen could have the following colour: 

    1. Red (1)
    2. Grey  (1) 

4.2.2 State TWO ways in which the quality of semen may be negatively affected. (2)

4.3 

Breeders are using new methods to increase the number of offspring and to  improve the genetics of the progeny. Choosing the appropriate time to calve is also vital.  
The following are different techniques used to achieve the goals above: 

  • Artificial insemination
  • Embryo transplantation 
  • Cloning

4.3.1 Choose a technique in the scenario above that matches EACH of the  procedures that follow: 

    1. The nucleus containing DNA is removed from the egg cell and   the egg cell is enucleated. (1)
    2. A viable embryo is recovered from the donor using a Foley  catheter. (1)
    3. Viable semen is harvested through electro-ejaculation. (1)
    4. Use somatic cells to produce a genetically identical organism. (1)

4.3.2 State the correct stage of the oestrus cycle to inseminate cows  successfully. (1)
4.3.3 Why is the relationship between ovulation and the timing of  insemination important? (3)

4.4 DIAGRAMS A and B below illustrate multiple births in farm animals.  
65 multiple births in farm animals.

4.4.1 Identify the TWO types of twins in DIAGRAMS A and B. (2)
4.4.2 Motivate the answer to QUESTION 4.4.1. (2) 
4.4.3 Name the process that takes place in DIAGRAM B to produce this type of twins. (1) 
4.4.4 Give ONE reason why the twins in DIAGRAM A will probably NOT  be of the same gender. (1) 
4.4.5 Name THREE factors that are responsible for the occurrence of  multiple births. (3)

4.5 Calves that are incorrectly positioned before and during the time of parturition  will cause difficult calving. 
66 Calves that are incorrectly positioned before and during the time of parturition
4.5.1 Refer to the pictures of foetal positions (A–C) above and identify the  parturition stage. (1) 
4.5.2 Give the correct scientific name for the calving difficulty that might  be caused by foetal positions A, B and C. (1) 
4.5.3 Suggest TWO actions that a farmer can take to save both the calf and  the cow during calving difficulty. (2) 

Milk ejection is initiated by the stimulation of the central nervous system, which is brought about by the milking action of the milker. The udder must be  healthy and needs to be observed at all times to ensure optimal milk  production.

4.6.1 Give TWO stimuli initiated by the milker during the milking process. (2)
4.6.2 Name the hormone responsible for milk ejection. (1)
4.6.3 What hormone inhibits milk ejection? (1) 
4.6.4 State the bacterial disease that affects the udder. (1)

[35] 
TOTAL SECTION B: 105 
 GRAND TOTAL: 150

Last modified on Friday, 13 August 2021 13:31