AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
PAPER 2
GRADE 12 
NSC EXAMS
PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
NOVEMBER 2018

MEMORANDUM 

SECTION A
QUESTION 1 
1.1
1.1.1  B ✔✔ 
1.1.2  B ✔✔
1.1.3  C ✔✔
1.1.4  B ✔✔ 
1.1.5  C ✔✔ 
1.1.6  D ✔✔ 
1.1.7  D ✔✔ 
1.1.8  A ✔✔ 
1.1.9  A ✔✔ 
1.1.10 D ✔✔ (10 x 2) (20) 

1.2
1.2.1 A only ✔✔ 
1.2.2 None ✔✔ 
1.2.3 A only ✔✔ 
1.2.4 Both A and B ✔✔ 
1.2.5 B only ✔✔ (5 x 2) (10) 

1.3
1.3.1 Parakeratosis ✔✔ 
1.3.2 Nipple/nipple drinker ✔✔ 
1.3.3 Ejaculation ✔✔
1.3.4 Meiosis ✔✔
1.3.5 Spermatozoon/sperm cell ✔✔ (5 x 2) (10) 

1.4
1.4.1 Pearson ✔ 
1.4.2 Free range/back yard/semi intensive ✔ 
1.4.3 Infectious/contagious/pathogenic ✔ 
1.4.4 Dystocia ✔ 
1.4.5 Mesoderm ✔ (5 x 1) (5) 

TOTAL SECTION A: 45

SECTION B 
QUESTION 2: ANIMAL NUTRITION 
2.1 Schematic images of the internal parts in the alimentary canal of  ruminants 
2.1.1 Identification of parts  

• B Omasum ✔ (1)
• C Reticulum ✔ (1) 

2.1.2 The function of PART B 

• Traps hard and indigestible substances/separate coarse and fine  food materials ✔
• Grinding of food particles ✔ 
• Sends large substances back to the rumen ✔ 
• Absorption of water ✔ 
• Absorption of some volatile fatty acids ✔ (Any 1) (1) 

2.1.3 Structures in Part A responsible for the production of heat 

• Heating rods/papillae ✔ (1)   

2.1.4 ONE requirement of rumen microbes in ruminants 

• Easily digestible carbohydrates/regular intake of feed ✔ 
• Sufficient mineral nutrients ✔ 
• Sufficient nitrogen ✔ 
• Anaerobic/oxygen free conditions ✔ 
• Neutral environment/suitable pH/slightly acidic/pH 5,5 - 6,5 ✔ 
• Presence of carbon dioxide/CO2 ✔ 
• Temperature of 38 - 42 0C/warm conditions ✔ 
• Continual removal of waste ✔ 
•  Presence of volatile fatty acids ✔ 
• Adequate moisture conditions ✔ (Any 1) (1)

2.2 Digestibility trial with ruminant animals 
2.2.1 The digestibility coefficient 

• Dry matter intake (kg) – Dry mass of manure (kg) x 100 ✔ 
                          Dry matter intake (kg)
  DM = 10 x 12kg = 1,2kg (moisture content) 
          100
  OR
  DM = 90 x 12kg = 10,8kg (dry matter) ✔ 
           100
  = (12kg – 1,2kg) – 7kg x 100 
            10,8kg 
  OR
  = 10,8 – 7kg x 100 ✔ 
         10,8kg
  = 35,19/35,2 ✔ % ✔ (5)

2.2.2 Implication of calculated DC 

• More (64,8%) of the feed was excreted ✔
• Less (35,2%) of the feed was digested and absorbed ✔ 
• High crude fibre content ✔ (Any 1) (1) 

2.2.3 Classification of the feed  

• Roughage ✔ (1)

2.3 Animal feeds 
2.3.1 Feed suitable for young growing animals 

• Feed A ✔ (1) 

2.3.2 Reason for the answer in QUESTION 2.3.1 

• It has a narrow nutritive ratio/NR of 1:3,4 ✔
• High protein content/DP of 18% ✔ (Any 1) (1) 

2.3.3 FEED B not recommended as a main feed for non- ruminants

• It has a high crude fibre content/CF of 17% ✔ and a resultant low  TDN/55% which is less than 60% ✔ (2) 

2.3.4 Relationship between total digestible nutrient and crude fibre  content of FEED A. 

• The lower the crude fibre content ✔ the higher the total digestible  nutrients ✔ (2)

2.4 Energy value and the energy losses (per kg) 
2.4.1 Energy loss in manure if the farm animal consuming 5kg of feed 

• 42,5J ✔ (1) 

2.4.2 Identification of the gas with the highest energy loss  

• Methane ✔ (1) 

2.4.3 Calculation of the energy available for growth and production

• NE = GE – (energy lost in manure + in urine + as heat + methane) 
  = 18,5J – 14J/(8,5J + 1,2J + 1,8J + 2,5J) ✔
  NE = 4,5 ✔ J ✔ (3) 2.5 Feed flow programme 

2.5.1 Calculation of deficit for September 

• (66 – 55) tons ✔
  = 11 tons ✔ (2)

2.5.2 Bar graph of the available feed and the requirement of animals for a year 

CRITERIA/RUBRIC/MARKING GUIDELINES  

• Correct heading ✔
• X axis: Correctly calibrated with label (Months of the year) ✔
• Y axis: Correctly calibrated with label 
  (Total feed available and required) ✔
• Correct units (ton) ✔ 
• Bar graph ✔ 
•  Accuracy ✔ (6)

2.6 Ways of supplementing feeds 
2.6.1 Soil sods ✔ (1)
2.6.2 Urea ✔ (1)
2.6.3 Implants ✔ (1) 
2.6.4 Drinking troughs ✔ (1) [35] 

QUESTION 3: ANIMAL PRODUCTION, PROTECTION AND CONTROL
3.1 Animal production systems 
3.1.1 Identification of production systems  

• A Extensive production system ✔ (1)
• B Intensive production system ✔ (1)

3.1.2 Comparison of the two production systems with reference to  capital investment 

• A Less capital invested ✔ (1)
• B More capital invested ✔  (1) 

3.2 Feeding programme for broiler production  
3.2.1 Comparison of the nutritional requirement of broilers in growth  stages 

• A Broilers need a high protein diet ✔  (1)
• B Broilers need a high energy diet ✔ (1) 

3.2.2 Reason for nutritional requirements for growth stage A 

• For growth ✔ (1) 

3.2.3 TWO other factors to increase production in broilers 

• Controlled environment/proper housing ✔
• Breeding ✔ 
• Good health/hygienic conditions ✔ 
• General enterprise management 
• Enterprise technical skills/skilled labour ✔ (Any 2) (2) 

3.3 Housing facilities for breeding pigs  
3.3.1 Indication of facility 

• Farrowing pen/crate ✔ (1) 

3.3.2 Design feature of the facility 

• Partitioned to accommodate the sow to lay on her side/ structured to separate the sow from the piglets ✔ (1)

3.3.3 Equipment/material found in the facility, to regulate temperature 

1.  Air conditioners/heaters/infra-red lamps/heated flooring ✔ (1) 
2. Bedding/litter materials ✔ (1) 

3.4 Farm animal productivity  
3.4.1 Key condition that impacts negatively to production 

• Adverse weather conditions/excessive hot/cold conditions ✔ (1) 

3.4.2 TWO economic impacts of this condition to the farmer

• More money spent on feeding during cold weather ✔
• Loss of production/income due to uncontrolled conditions ✔ (2) 

3.4.3 Measures the farmer can take to reduce the impact of varying  temperatures in  

1.  Provision of shade/cooling/provide enough water ✔ (1) 
2. Provision of shelter/move livestock closer to home ✔ (1) 

3.5 Handling facilities in an intensive production system  
3.5.1 Identification of the facilities 

• A Holding pen ✔ (1)
• C Crush ✔ (1)

3.5.2 Main purpose of a head clamp 

• To restrain/contain animals to stand still ✔ (1) 

3.5.3 TWO design features of a crush  

• Must be strong/durable ✔
• High/wide enough for specific type of animal ✔
• No sharp curves ✔
• Safe for animals/handlers ✔
• Clean ✔ (Any 2) (2)

3.6 Diseases in farm animals  

• The missing information
  A Rabies ✔  (1)
  B Biting by infected animals/Saliva/Body fluids ✔  (1)
  C Bacteria ✔  (1)
  D Red water ✔  (1)
  E Blue tick bite ✔  (1)
  F Hair loss/scally/itchy ring like lesions/crusty grey/white scabs ✔  (1) 

3.7 Life cycle of a parasite in farm animals  
3.7.1 The parasite 

• Tape worm ✔ (1) 

3.7.2 Indication of hosts 

• Two hosts ✔ (1) 

3.7.3 TWO economic implications of the parasite to farmers 

• Loss of production ✔
• Infected carcasses are degraded at the abattoir ✔ 
• Loss of income/profit ✔
• High cost of treatment ✔ (Any 2) (2) 

3.7.4 TWO roles of the state in controlling the spread of internal  parasites 

• Meat testing/inspection/hygiene ✔
• Research/outreach to farmers ✔ 
• Legislation on the duties/roles/responsibilities of owners ✔
• Impose product bans ✔ (Any 2) (2) [35] 

QUESTION 4: ANIMAL REPRODUCTION 
4.1 The male reproductive system  
4.1.1 Identification of parts 

• A Vas deferens/ampulla ✔ (1)
• B Urethra ✔ (1) 

4.1.2 TWO functions of the secretion of vesicular gland 

• Provide nutrition/nourishing/energy to the sperm cells ✔
• Transportation of sperm cells ✔
• Protects the sperm cells against changes in pH/buffer ✔ (Any 2) (2) 

4.1.3 Congenital defect of part D 

• Under-development/hypoplasia ✔
• Penis too short/too long ✔ 
• Abnormal openings ✔ 
• Short retractor penis muscle ✔ (Any 1) (1) 

4.1.4 Indication of the effect on the fertility of the bull  

1.  Affects spermatogenesis/low sperm count/sperm denaturing/  infertility ✔ (1)
2. No sperm will be produced/sterile ✔ (1) 

4.2 Hormonal control during the oestrus cycle 
4.2.1 Identification of the hormones 

• A Oestrogen ✔
• C Progesterone ✔ (2) 

4.2.2 Explanation of the process in B 

• Release of the ovum/egg cell ✔ from a mature Graafian follicle ✔ (2) 

4.2.3 TWO visible signs displayed when oestrus is in its peak 

• Mounts other cows ✔
• Restlessness ✔
• Swelling of the vulva ✔
• Excessive mucus secretion from the vulva ✔
• Mucus membranes of the vagina appears red and moist ✔
• Scratches, manure and mud on the rear end ✔
• Allows mating ✔
• Tail head is in a raised position ✔
• Tail head and hair is fluffed up ✔ ( Any 2) (2) 

4.2.4 Function of FSH  

• Stimulates the formation of follicles ✔ 
• Facilitates/stimulates growth/development and function of the  Graafian follicle ✔ ( Any 1) (1)

4.3 Reproductive processes in sheep 
4.3.1 The correct chronological order 

• C ✔ (1)
• A ✔ (1)
• D ✔ (1)
• E ✔ (1)
• B ✔ (1) 

4.3.2 Definition of synchronisation 

• Changing the oestrus cycle in a group of ewes/female animals ✔ so  that they come to oestrus approximately at the same time ✔ (2)

4.4 The reproduction cycle of a dairy cow  
4.4.1 A month in which artificial insemination should take place May ✔ (1) 
4.4.2 TWO possible causes for the cow not conceiving  

• Improper handling of semen/poor quality semen ✔
• Use of inexperienced technician ✔
• Diseases/infections ✔
• Malnutrition ✔
• Congenital factors ✔
• Incorrect timing ✔ (Any 2) (2) 

4.4.3 THREE causes of abortion in dairy cows 

• Infections/diseases ✔
• Malnutrition ✔
• Injuries ✔
• Maltreatment/stress ✔ 
• Environmental factors ✔ 
• Genetic/congenital factors ✔ 
• Strong laxatives ✔
• Toxic elements in feed ✔ 
• Vaccination/immunisation ✔ 
• Twinning ✔ (Any 3) (3) 

4.4.4 The last process coming just before the start of milk production

• Calving/parturition/giving birth ✔ (1) 

4.5 The graph indicating milk production, fat content and crude fibre  content of a dairy cow for 10 months 
4.5.1 Month 6 ✔ (1)
4.5.2 45 litres ✔ (1) 
4.5.3 THREE reasons for the drop in milk production 

• Illness/sickness/diseases ✔
• Malnutrition/improper feeding ✔
• Extreme environmental conditions ✔ (3) 

4.5.4 Relationship between crude fibre and fat content from month  6 to 10 

• As the crude fibre content increases ✔ the fat content will also  increase ✔ (2) [35] 

TOTAL SECTION B: 105 
GRAND TOTAL: 150