WAEC Agricultural Science 2025 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

(a)(i) Reasons for fencing (any three): - Restricts the movement of animals - Prevents entry of intruders/predators/thieves, ensures farm safety - Used to divide pasture into paddocks/proper pasture utilization - Prevents overgrazing of pasture - Prevents introduction of parasites (ii) Reasons for adequate stocking (any three): - Ensures the required number of animals graze a pasture based on its carrying capacity - Ensures optimal productivity of the pasture - Reduces/minimizes competition among animals - Prevents overgrazing of the pasture - Prevents soil erosion/compaction (b)(i) Culling: The removal of weak/sick/diseased/unproductive/unthrifty/cannibalistic animals from a flock/herd. Culled animals are not returned to the flock/herd; this improves the overall productivity of the flock/herd. (ii) Dehorning: The process of removing the horns of livestock, done using a saw, hot iron, or caustic soda. It reduces space required and reduces injury to other animals and to the farmer/veterinarian. (iii) Castration: The removal/destruction of the testicles of male animals not required for breeding. It can be open/surgical or closed castration. Castrated animals become more docile/less aggressive and it improves the quality of meat. (c) Steps in propagation of oil palm in a nursery: - Selection of viable seeds - Soak seeds in water - Pack the soaked seeds in plastic bags - Place the plastic bags in a germinator for 80 days - Resoak the seeds in water for 3-8 days - Dry the seeds under shade - Pack the seeds in polythene bags for germination to occur - Plant germinated seedlings in the main nursery - Carry out nursery care such as watering, fertilizing and pest control