Study the specimens: Specimen I (Piece of liver): Specimen J (Piece of ruminant skin): Specimen K (Piece of rumen):

Answer Details

(a) Identification of specimens

• Specimen I: Liver
• Specimen J: Ruminant skin (hide)
• Specimen K: Rumen

(b) Functions of the specimens to the animal

Specimen I: Liver

• It produces bile, which helps in the digestion of fats.
• It stores excess glucose as glycogen and releases glucose when needed.
• It detoxifies harmful substances, such as poisons and drugs, in the blood.

Specimen J: Ruminant skin

• It protects the body against injury, disease-causing organisms and dehydration.
• It helps to regulate body temperature through sweating and changes in blood flow near the skin surface.
• It contains sensory receptors that enable the animal to feel touch, pain, pressure and temperature.

Specimen K: Rumen

• It temporarily stores swallowed feed.
• It contains microorganisms that digest cellulose in fibrous plant materials.
• It allows fermentation of food and absorption of some products of fermentation, especially volatile fatty acids.

(c) Process used in preserving fresh milk

The process is pasteurisation. Milk is heated to a controlled temperature for a short time and then cooled rapidly. This destroys most harmful microorganisms and helps the milk remain fresh for longer. The wording of this part appears unclear, but pasteurisation is the standard process for preserving fresh milk.

(d) Products that can be produced from milk

1. Butter
2. Cheese
3. Yoghurt
4. Cream
5. Ice cream

Examination reminder: Give functions specifically related to the animal. For example, the rumen is important for microbial digestion of cellulose, whereas the liver is important for bile production, storage of glycogen and detoxification.