Subject: Agricultural Sciences Grade: 12 (Matric) Focus: Animal Studies, Agricultural Economics, and Genetics
Introduction
Agricultural Sciences is a science subject. It is not just about farming; it’s about the biology, chemistry, and economics behind farming. The exam is split into two papers, covering very different topics.
This guide breaks down the curriculum based on the Examination Guidelines.
Paper 1: Animal Studies (150 Marks)
This paper focuses on the biology and management of farm animals.
1. Animal Nutrition (±50 Marks)
This is the biggest section. You must understand digestion and feed.
- Digestion: Know the difference between Ruminants (cows, sheep) and Non-ruminants (pigs, chickens).
- Exam Tip: Be able to label the parts of the ruminant stomach (Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum, Abomasum) and explain the function of each.
- Feeds: Distinguish between Roughages (high fiber, low energy) and Concentrates (low fiber, high energy).
- Calculations: You will be asked to calculate the Nutritive Ratio (NR) and the Cost of Feed. Memorize the formulas!
2. Animal Production, Protection & Control (±50 Marks)
- Production Systems: Intensive (feedlot) vs. Extensive (free range). Know the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Diseases: You must know the cause, symptoms, and treatment for:
- Viral: Foot-and-mouth, Rabies.
- Bacterial: Anthrax, Mastitis.
- Protozoal: Redwater.
- Fungal: Ringworm.
- Parasites: Internal (tapeworm) vs. External (ticks). Know the life cycle of the tick.
3. Animal Reproduction (±50 Marks)
- Reproductive Organs: Be able to label the male and female reproductive systems of a cow/bull.
- Estrus Cycle: Understand the hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, LH, FSH) and their roles.
- Artificial Insemination (AI): Why do farmers use it? (Genetic improvement, disease control).
Paper 2: Management & Genetics (150 Marks)
This paper combines business skills with advanced biology.
1. Agricultural Management & Marketing (±50 Marks)
- Marketing: The 4 Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion).
- Supply and Demand: How price affects supply and demand curves.
- Entrepreneurship: What makes a successful farmer? (Risk-taking, planning).
- Business Plans: SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
2. Production Factors (±50 Marks)
- Land, Labour, Capital, Management: Know the functions and problems associated with each.
- Labour Legislation: Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Labour Relations Act (LRA).
3. Basic Agricultural Genetics (±50 Marks)
This is the “Science” part.
- Mendel’s Laws: Segregation and Independent Assortment.
- Crosses: You must be able to do a Punnett Square for:
- Monohybrid Cross: One trait (e.g., Black vs Red).
- Dihybrid Cross: Two traits (e.g., Black & Tall vs Red & Short).
- Terminology: Homozygous vs. Heterozygous, Genotype vs. Phenotype, Dominant vs. Recessive.
My Top Tips for Distinction
1. Don’t Guess the “Diseases” There are specific diseases listed in the guidelines. Make a table with columns: Name | Cause | Symptoms | Treatment. Memorize it. They always ask for “one viral disease” or “symptoms of Anthrax”.
2. Master the Genetics Calculations Genetics is logic, not memory. Practice doing Punnett squares until you can predict the outcome of any cross. This is usually 20-30 marks in Paper 2.
3. Know Your Diagrams In Paper 1, you will definitely get a diagram of a digestive or reproductive system to label. Don’t lose marks here. Learn the scientific names (e.g., “Fallopian tube,” not “egg tube”).
Conclusion
Agricultural Sciences is a mix of theory and practical application. Paper 1 requires deep biological knowledge, while Paper 2 requires business sense and genetic logic. Balance your study time between the two.
Good luck with your Matric Finals!