NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

JUNE 2021

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
(EXEMPLAR)

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2½ hours

This question paper consists of 16 pages.

2 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (EC/JUNE 2021)

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 your calculations, including units and formulae, where applicable.

7. Write neatly and legibly.

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(EC/JUNE 2021) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 3

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers
(1.1.1–1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 A.

1.1.1 An animal deficient in cobalt will show symptoms of … disease.

A osteomalacia
B parakeratosis
C swayback
D wasting

1.1.2 During … nutrient molecules move against the concentration gradient.

A active transport
B osmosis
C passive transport
D diffusion

1.1.3 The following volatile fatty acids are the end product of fermentation that
is absorbed in the wall of the rumen:

A Carbonic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid

B Butyric acid, acetic acid and propionic acid
C Propionic acid, hydrochloric acid and acetic acid
D Ammonia, acetic acid and propionic acid

1.1.4 The following occurs in the abomasum:

(i) Secretion of gastric juices, hydrochloric acid and digestive

enzymes
(ii) Churning of food by muscular walls into chyme
(iii) Microbial hay fermentation results in the production of volatile
fatty acids
(iv) Pepsin and rennin are secreted in the abomasum to digest
proteins and curdle milk respectively

Choose the correct combination below:

A (i), (ii) and (iv)

B (ii), (iii) and (iv)
C (i), (ii) and (iii)
D (i), (iii) and (iv)

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4 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (EC/JUNE 2021)

1.1.5 The instrument or equipment shown in the picture below is used by

farmers to manage animal diseases and is known as a(n) …

A injection gun.
B spraying gun.
C drenching gun.
D balling gun.

1.1.6 The possible advantages of a feedlot in animal production are listed

below:

(i) Stocking density is increased

(ii) Weaning stress on female animals is increased
(iii) Zero grazing is applied
(iv) The production output is increased

Choose the correct combination below:

A (i), (ii) and (iv)

B (i), (ii) and (iii)
C (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D (i), (iii) and (iv)

1.1.7 The most effective way to prevent viral diseases in farm animals is to
use ...

A dosing.
B vaccination.
C dipping.
D antibiotics.

1.1.8 A process where superior cows are treated with hormones to allow
production of more mature ova during a single oestrus cycle:

A Synchronisation of oestrus
B Nuclear transfer
C Embryo flushing
D Superovulation

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(EC/JUNE 2021) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 5

1.1.9 The main reason for drying off a high-producing dairy cow before she
starts her next lactation period is to ...

A ensure that the cow becomes pregnant early.

B shorten the gestation period.
C allow recovery of tissue and glandular material.
D reduce problems during parturition.

1.1.10 ONE of the factors listed below can cause sterility in bulls:

A Cryptorchidism
B Freemartinism
C Retained placenta
D Metritis (10 x 2) (20)

1.2 Indicate whether each of the following 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: Urea Recommended as a supplement for protein
B: Biuret in the ration of ruminant animals
1.2.2 A: Pancreatic juice The juice in the digestive system that
B: Bile juice neutralises acidic condition
1.2.3 A: Protozoan An example is heartwater disease
B: Fungal
1.2.4 A: Farrowing pen Narrow stalls used in intensive farming to
B: Gestation crates keep pregnant sows throughout the 16
weeks period
1.2.5 A: Maceration Sign of parturition in cows and heifers
B: Mummification
(5 x 2) (10)

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

1.3.1 The deficiency symptom in farm animals caused by a shortage of iron

leading to paleness

1.3.2 Protein substances produced by white blood cells in response to

specific foreign antigens

1.3.3 A collective name for classifying mites, nasal worms and lice

1.3.4 The condition where the bull is interested in a cow, but lacks the ability
to service it

1.3.5 The type of nuclear transfer where embryonic stem cells are produced
for medical reasons (5 x 2) (10)

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6 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (EC/JUNE 2021)

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 numbers
(1.4.1–1.4.5) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.4.1 The Punnett square is a method used to determine the ratio of two
feeds to get a required nutrient value.

1.4.2 Maintenance feeding is a protein enriched feed given to piglets to

attain a higher weaning weight.

1.4.3 Infertility is the total loss of fertility which cannot be corrected if

diagnosed.

1.4.4 Gestation describes abnormal conditions that interfere with normal

parturition.

1.4.5 An instrument used for the recovery of fertilised eggs during embryo
transfer is known as pistollete.
(5 x 1) (5)

TOTAL SECTION A: 45

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(EC/JUNE 2021) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 7

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

2.1.1 Identify parts represented by letters B, C and G from DIAGRAM 1 and

DIAGRAM 2 above. (3)
2.1.2 Classify the animal with an alimentary canal such as the one in
DIAGRAM 2. (1)
2.1.3 Justify with a visible reason the answer in QUESTION 2.1.2. (1)
2.1.4 Identify the letter of the part in DIAGRAM 2 that performs the same
function as part A in DIAGRAM 1. (1)
2.1.5 Identify the letter (A–H) that represents the part where each of the
following occurs:
(a) Maximum absorption of digested nutrients (1)
(b) Main site for the absorption of volatile fatty acids (1)

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2.2 Suggest the name of the vitamin that causes the following deficiency symptoms:

2.2.1 Rickets which causes porous bones in young animals (1)

2.2.2 Curled toe paralysis in chickens (1)

2.3 The pictures below show different animal feeds.

Identify the feed from the pictures above that can be associated with each of the
following purposes:

2.3.1 Improve fertility in rams (1)

2.3.2 Correct mineral deficiencies (1)

2.3.3 To finish off beef animals for the abattoir (1)

2.3.4 Supply bulkiness in rations for ruminants (1)

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(EC/JUNE 2021) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 9

2.4 The feeds below are available to compile a ration for farm animals.

FEEDS COMPOSITION INDICATORS NUTRITIVE

Dry Moisture TDN DP RATIO (NR)
matter (%) (%) (%)
(%)
Maize meal 85 15 75 10 1:7
Sunflower oil-cake meal 89 11 85 17
Silage 80 20 65 7 1:8

2.4.1 Identify from the above table an example for each of the following:

(a) Concentrate (1)

(b) Roughage (1)

2.4.2 A heifer was fed 25 kg of silage from the above table and it excreted
8 kg of dry manure. Calculate the digestibility co-efficient of silage.
Show ALL calculations. (5)

2.4.3 Calculate the nutritive ratio (NR) of sunflower oil-cake meal. Show ALL
calculations. (3)

2.4.4 Categorise the NR value of sunflower oilcake meal and maize meal. (2)

2.4.5 Justify, with a reason, the suitability of sunflower oil-cake meal for the
fattening of matured animals. (2)

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2.5 The pie chart below illustrates a fodder-flow programme for a farm in
South Africa.

2.5.1 Identify the month during which the farmer only used natural pasture to
feed farm animals. (1)

2.5.2 Justify the answer in QUESTION 2.5.1 by referring to the above pie
chart. (1)

2.5.3 The farmer revealed that the farm supplied 4,3 tons of natural pasture in
December.

(a) Determine the amount of natural pasture, in kilograms, that will be

needed in December to feed 45 sheep if each sheep consumes
2,5 kg natural pasture per day. (2)

(b) The sheep farmer experienced a surplus. Justify this statement by

calculating the surplus amount. Show ALL calculations. (3)
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(EC/JUNE 2021) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 11

QUESTION 3: ANIMAL PRODUCTION, PROTECTION AND CONTROL

Start this question on a NEW page.

3.1 The pictures below represent two animal production systems.

3.1.1 Identify the animal production systems represented in PICTURE A and

PICTURE B above. (2)

3.1.2 Justify the answer in QUESTION 3.1.1 based on the following:

(a) Sustainable use of natural resources (2)

(b) Capital investment (2)

3.1.3 Indicate the farming system associated with each of the animal
production systems identified in QUESTION 3.1.1. (2)
3.2 The pictures below shows housing facilities for farm animals.

3.2.1 Identify FACILITY 1 and FACILITY 2 in the picture above. (2)

3.2.2 Indicate the main purpose of part A in FACILITY 1 and part B in
FACILITY 2 (2)
3.2.3 Name ONE equipment that can be found in FACILITY 1. (1)

3.2.4 Indicate TWO ways in which farm animals can lose body heat if
FACILITY 1 is not provided. (2)

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12 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (EC/JUNE 2021)

3.3 The table below represents different animal diseases commonly found in
South Africa.

DISEASES TYPE OF ANIMAL PATHOGEN MAIN PREVENTAT

SYMPTOMS IVE
MEASURE
A Pigs Virus Vomiting and Slaughter
bleeding from the and disposal
nose and rectum of infected
animals and
their products
Anthrax Cattle, sheep B Swelling of neck C
goats, horses and
pigs and throat
resulting in
respiratory
distress, muscle
tremors with
staggers and
convulsions
Heartwater Cattle, sheep and D Thin diarrhoea Good
goats with intestinal sanitation.
mucosa and Prevention of
blood overcrowding
E Cattle, sheep, F Hair loss Isolation of
goats and pigs Red itchy thick infected
lesions animals
Crusty grey-white
scabs

3.3.1 Complete the table by providing labels for letters A–F. (6)

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(EC/JUNE 2021) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 13

3.4 The following table indicates the number of reported rabies outbreak cases per
province in South Africa.

Province Number of Reported cases of Number of

reported cases of rabies as a reported cases of
rabies in 2017 percentage (%) in rabies in 2018
2017
Eastern Cape 12 14 6
Free State 9 10 3
Gauteng 5 6 2
KwaZulu-Natal 20 23 10
Western Cape 3 3 2
Northern Cape 6 7 3
Limpopo 17 20 8
Mpumalanga 10 12 5
North West 4 5 2

3.4.1 Draw a bar graph representing the percentages of reported rabies cases
per province in South Africa. (5)

3.4.2 Explain the trend of reported rabies cases from the table. (2)

3.4.3 Indicate the possible reason for the trend observed in QUESTION 3.4.2. (1)

3.5 Parasites live on the animal as a host and may cause harm that reduces
production.

3.5.1 Provide an example for each of the following categories of ticks:

(a) Single-host ticks

(b) Three-host ticks (2)

3.5.2 Indicate TWO application methods used to control ectoparasites

chemically. (2)

3.6 Name TWO services rendered by the state to protect animals from infection by
diseases. (2)
[35]

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14 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (EC/JUNE 2021)

QUESTION 4: ANIMAL REPRODUCTION

Start this question on a NEW page.

4.1 The diagram below illustrates the reproductive system of a bull.

4.1.1 Identify the parts labelled B, C and E from the above DIAGRAM. (3)

4.1.2 Indicate the process taking place in part F. (1)

4.1.3 Give TWO functions of the hormone secreted in part F. (2)

4.1.4 Match the functions listed below with a letter (A–H) from the diagram
above:

(a) Stores and allows the spermatozoa to mature (1)

(b) Secretes a substance that lubricates and cleans the urethra for
ejaculation (1)

(c) Provide nutrients for the sperm cells (1)

4.1.5 Explain the importance of part H in the control of temperature for

effective functioning of parts F and G. (2)

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(EC/JUNE 2021) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 15

4.2 The diagram below illustrates a reproductive process occurring in farm animals.

4.2.1 Identify the reproductive process illustrated in the diagram above. (1)

4.2.2 Indicate the name of an organ where the reproductive process

identified in QUESTION 4.2.1 occurs. (1)

4.2.3 Name the division process taking place at A and B in the above
diagram. (2)

4.3 The oestrogen hormone assists the cow with the initiation of oestrus signs.

4.3.1 Define the term oestrus. (2)

4.3.2 State TWO visible signs of oestrus in cows. (2)

4.3.3 Indicate TWO practical methods a farmer can use in identifying cows
on heat. (2)

4.4 The list below represents stages during nuclear transfer process:

 Transferred into the uterus of recipient cows to grow until adulthood

 Enucleation of an unfertilised egg
 Manipulated cell is artificially activated to start dividing until it is a blastocyst
 Egg is treated and cultured in the laboratory for fusion to take place
 Nucleus containing DNA from donor is transferred into cytoplasm of the
enucleated egg

Re-arrange the stages of nuclear transfer process presented in the list above
into its chronological order. (5)

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16 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (EC/JUNE 2021)

4.5 Give the name of a(n) organ/structure where each of the following female
hormones are produced:

4.5.1 Oestrogen (1)

4.5.2 Gonadotrophic releasing hormone (GnRH) (1)

4.5.3 Progesterone (1)

4.5.4 Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (1)

4.5.5 Oxytocin (1)

4.6 Multiple births is the phenomenon occurring in farm animals.

4.6.1 Identify the type of multiple births represented by DIAGRAM 1 and

DIAGRAM 2. (2)

4.6.2 Justify the answer in QUESTION 4.6.1. (2)

[35]

TOTAL SECTION B: 105

GRAND TOTAL: 150

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