1
Agricultural Sciences
Paper 1
GRADE 12
JUNE EXAM 2026
Previous exam papers were used to compile these notes SC/NSC_ DBE/May/June 2024.
DBE/JUN 2021, 2022, 2023 & Mambane Secondary School Agricultural Sciences Grade 12
Notes. EC/JUNE 2023. These are only suggested answers from the memorandums.
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated every year based on new DBE and SC/NSC
examination papers. To ensure that learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date
content, learners and parents are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest
version of the notes.
Please note that these notes are compiled only as a study aid for exam preparation and
do not replace the prescribed textbook.
If you are unsure whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
NOTE: You MUST study Term 1 notes with Paper 1 notes. If you have not purchased Term 1
notes, please contact .
Good luck. Juffrou Ansie
Content:
ANIMAL NUTRITION ...................................................................................................... 5
VITAMINS AND DIGESTIBILITY OF FEEDS ........................................................................ 8
ANIMAL PRODUCTION, PROTECTION AND CONTROL ................................................... 14
ANIMAL REPRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 22
Multiple choice questions.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Calcium An example of a macromineral for animals is calcium.
Absorption During this process, the end products of digestion are
transported through the wall of the rumen to the
bloodstream and lymphatic system so that they can be
distributed to all the cells in the body.
Intensive farming Managing this type of farming system is much more difficult
due to the large area over which animals move, and little
labour is required.
Epididymis Produces the male sex hormone, testosterone, which is
responsible for the development of secondary sex
characteristics.
The Lieberkühn Crypts Lieberkühn crypts secrete slightly alkaline succus
entericus.
Oestrus The 18-hour stage of active sexual behaviour during which a
cow allows mating.
Reproductive cloning Reproductive cloning is cloning with the aim of obtaining an
identical clone that can develop into a full-fledged
organism.
Metabolism Metabolism is the physical and chemical processes that
occur in living organisms.
Backyard system Chickens roam freely, forage for food themselves, and are
also fed leftovers.
Monogastric Non-ruminants: animals with a single-chambered
stomach.
The liver It is an exocrine gland located at the top of the abdominal
cavity.
Cafeteria style Relies on an animal consuming as much of a particular
mineral as it needs according to its individual needs.
Heat input and output This is the loss of heat through the skin and the heat gained
through metabolic reactions in the body.
Sustainable This means managing and using natural resources such as
vegetation and soil in such a way that they do not
deteriorate, thereby ensuring that they can still be used in
the future.
The equipment shown in the picture below is used for
collecting semen from the bull.
Hormone A substance that is secreted into the blood and acts on
tissues and other parts of the body, where it has a
biological response.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Flight zone The distance that animals like to maintain between
themselves and a threat or danger.
Diffusion Gas or molecules of the solute move from an area of higher
concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Metabolic water Formed during the oxidation of organic nutrients containing
hydrogen.
Ovigenesis/ oogenesis Oogenesis is the process by which eggs (ovules) are
produced by the ovaries.
Fertilization Fertilization is the fusion of a spermatozoon with an egg to
form a zygote.
Photosynthesis Glucose is formed in plant leaves during photosynthesis.
Sun rays Sun rays are a major cause of increased temperatures and
heat stress.
Lipase Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fat into glycerol
and fatty acids.
A cafeteria style In a cafeteria style, farm animals are allowed to take
minerals according to their individual needs.
The picture illustrates dock as a reason for handling farm
animals. (To cut the tail off)
The purpose of vaccination The purpose of vaccination is mainly to prevent diseases in
farm animals.
Hydrocephalus The accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain of a
foetus that leads to difficult childbirth
Biuret A non-protein nitrogenous substance that is safer to use
because it is less soluble
Dip Chemical method to control parasites.
Progesterone Hormone that prevents the growth and maturation of the
Graafian follicle.
Concentrate The type of animal feed that contains a small volume per
unit mass
Crush/press pin/race A permanent handling facility used to restrict the
movement of a bull and guide it to a loading ramp.
Milk let down/milk ejection The process in lactating cows that is stimulated by
hormones that leads to the flow of milk
Sperm cell/ spermatozoan The cell that fuses with the egg cell during the process of
/ male gamete/ male sex fertilization
cell
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Fertilization Reproductive stage follows immediately after successful
insemination
Embryo The transfer of a fertilized egg from one cow to another
transfer/transplantation/ET
Thyroid regulators Stimulates the growth of farm animals by causing the
secretion of a thyroxine hormone
Disinfection / disinfection The application of chemicals to create an environment free
of disease-causing microorganisms.
Synchronization of oestrus The process where female animals in a herd are brought
into heat simultaneously.
Testicle Is responsible for the production of the male sex hormone
in bulls.
The photo on the left shows the normal foetal position.
Sedatives Chemicals added to farm animals' feed to make them calm
and eat more
Hermaphrodites Animals that have both male and female reproductive
organs
Sustainable An approach that combines the benefits of modern,
medication/integrated traditional and complementary treatments to provide
disease management healthcare to farm animals
Placenta retention The failure of a cow to expel the placenta within 12 to 24
hours after giving birth
Embryo The process of removing fertilized eggs from a superior
washing/harvesting donor cow
Mitochondrion The organelle in the centre of a sperm cell that provides
energy for movement
Soaking/dosing Devices used to administer liquid medication to farm
gun/sprayer animals to treat internal parasites
Natural mating/copulation Occurs when the bull is allowed to mount and service a
cow.
Ectoderm The Ectoderm is the outer germ layer from which skin,
hooves and hair develop.
Retro/reverse A process where food is brought back from the stomach to
peristalsis/regurgitation the mouth for rechewing
Repeat breeders Cows that need to be mated three or more times before
conceiving
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
Agricultural Sciences
Paper 1
GRADE 12
JUNE EXAM 2026
Previous exam papers were used to compile these notes SC/NSC_ DBE/May/June 2024.
DBE/JUN 2021, 2022, 2023 & Mambane Secondary School Agricultural Sciences Grade 12
Notes. EC/JUNE 2023. These are only suggested answers from the memorandums.
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated every year based on new DBE and SC/NSC
examination papers. To ensure that learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date
content, learners and parents are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest
version of the notes.
Please note that these notes are compiled only as a study aid for exam preparation and
do not replace the prescribed textbook.
If you are unsure whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
NOTE: You MUST study Term 1 notes with Paper 1 notes. If you have not purchased Term 1
notes, please contact .
Good luck. Juffrou Ansie
Content:
ANIMAL NUTRITION ...................................................................................................... 5
VITAMINS AND DIGESTIBILITY OF FEEDS ........................................................................ 8
ANIMAL PRODUCTION, PROTECTION AND CONTROL ................................................... 14
ANIMAL REPRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 22
Multiple choice questions.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Calcium An example of a macromineral for animals is calcium.
Absorption During this process, the end products of digestion are
transported through the wall of the rumen to the
bloodstream and lymphatic system so that they can be
distributed to all the cells in the body.
Intensive farming Managing this type of farming system is much more difficult
due to the large area over which animals move, and little
labour is required.
Epididymis Produces the male sex hormone, testosterone, which is
responsible for the development of secondary sex
characteristics.
The Lieberkühn Crypts Lieberkühn crypts secrete slightly alkaline succus
entericus.
Oestrus The 18-hour stage of active sexual behaviour during which a
cow allows mating.
Reproductive cloning Reproductive cloning is cloning with the aim of obtaining an
identical clone that can develop into a full-fledged
organism.
Metabolism Metabolism is the physical and chemical processes that
occur in living organisms.
Backyard system Chickens roam freely, forage for food themselves, and are
also fed leftovers.
Monogastric Non-ruminants: animals with a single-chambered
stomach.
The liver It is an exocrine gland located at the top of the abdominal
cavity.
Cafeteria style Relies on an animal consuming as much of a particular
mineral as it needs according to its individual needs.
Heat input and output This is the loss of heat through the skin and the heat gained
through metabolic reactions in the body.
Sustainable This means managing and using natural resources such as
vegetation and soil in such a way that they do not
deteriorate, thereby ensuring that they can still be used in
the future.
The equipment shown in the picture below is used for
collecting semen from the bull.
Hormone A substance that is secreted into the blood and acts on
tissues and other parts of the body, where it has a
biological response.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Flight zone The distance that animals like to maintain between
themselves and a threat or danger.
Diffusion Gas or molecules of the solute move from an area of higher
concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Metabolic water Formed during the oxidation of organic nutrients containing
hydrogen.
Ovigenesis/ oogenesis Oogenesis is the process by which eggs (ovules) are
produced by the ovaries.
Fertilization Fertilization is the fusion of a spermatozoon with an egg to
form a zygote.
Photosynthesis Glucose is formed in plant leaves during photosynthesis.
Sun rays Sun rays are a major cause of increased temperatures and
heat stress.
Lipase Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fat into glycerol
and fatty acids.
A cafeteria style In a cafeteria style, farm animals are allowed to take
minerals according to their individual needs.
The picture illustrates dock as a reason for handling farm
animals. (To cut the tail off)
The purpose of vaccination The purpose of vaccination is mainly to prevent diseases in
farm animals.
Hydrocephalus The accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain of a
foetus that leads to difficult childbirth
Biuret A non-protein nitrogenous substance that is safer to use
because it is less soluble
Dip Chemical method to control parasites.
Progesterone Hormone that prevents the growth and maturation of the
Graafian follicle.
Concentrate The type of animal feed that contains a small volume per
unit mass
Crush/press pin/race A permanent handling facility used to restrict the
movement of a bull and guide it to a loading ramp.
Milk let down/milk ejection The process in lactating cows that is stimulated by
hormones that leads to the flow of milk
Sperm cell/ spermatozoan The cell that fuses with the egg cell during the process of
/ male gamete/ male sex fertilization
cell
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Fertilization Reproductive stage follows immediately after successful
insemination
Embryo The transfer of a fertilized egg from one cow to another
transfer/transplantation/ET
Thyroid regulators Stimulates the growth of farm animals by causing the
secretion of a thyroxine hormone
Disinfection / disinfection The application of chemicals to create an environment free
of disease-causing microorganisms.
Synchronization of oestrus The process where female animals in a herd are brought
into heat simultaneously.
Testicle Is responsible for the production of the male sex hormone
in bulls.
The photo on the left shows the normal foetal position.
Sedatives Chemicals added to farm animals' feed to make them calm
and eat more
Hermaphrodites Animals that have both male and female reproductive
organs
Sustainable An approach that combines the benefits of modern,
medication/integrated traditional and complementary treatments to provide
disease management healthcare to farm animals
Placenta retention The failure of a cow to expel the placenta within 12 to 24
hours after giving birth
Embryo The process of removing fertilized eggs from a superior
washing/harvesting donor cow
Mitochondrion The organelle in the centre of a sperm cell that provides
energy for movement
Soaking/dosing Devices used to administer liquid medication to farm
gun/sprayer animals to treat internal parasites
Natural mating/copulation Occurs when the bull is allowed to mount and service a
cow.
Ectoderm The Ectoderm is the outer germ layer from which skin,
hooves and hair develop.
Retro/reverse A process where food is brought back from the stomach to
peristalsis/regurgitation the mouth for rechewing
Repeat breeders Cows that need to be mated three or more times before
conceiving
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
