WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 1995 (Objective)

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Farm-gate price is usually obtained through the producer. The term "farm-gate price" refers to the price that a farmer receives for their produce at the farm gate, before any additional costs such as transportation, storage, and marketing are added. This price is negotiated directly between the farmer and the buyer, which could be a middleman, commodity board, co-operative, or wholesaler. However, in general, the producer is the one who sets the initial farm-gate price.

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Subsistence agriculture is a type of agriculture where the main aim is to produce enough food to sustain the farmer and their family. Therefore, a characteristic feature of subsistence agriculture is that the labour needed for farming is usually provided by the farm family themselves. This means that family members are often involved in various aspects of farming, such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. The focus is not on making a profit but on producing enough food to meet the needs of the family.

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A fertile soil is important for the selection of a site for a fish pond because it stimulates the growth of lower plants, which are sources of food to fish. When the soil is fertile, the plants growing in and around the pond will have access to necessary nutrients that they need to thrive. The plants will, in turn, produce more organic matter, which will support the growth of plankton and other microorganisms in the water. This increase in food will provide a suitable habitat for fish to grow, feed, and reproduce. Therefore, a fertile soil is crucial in promoting a healthy and productive ecosystem in a fish pond.

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The reason for not preferring rotational grazing to continuous grazing is "avoiding excessive amount of organic manuring." Rotational grazing involves the movement of livestock from one paddock to another in a planned sequence. This helps to avoid overgrazing in a particular area and allows time for pasture regrowth, which can result in more uniform quality of herbage, persistence of desired species, breaking the life-cycle of some pests, and avoiding build-up of livestock pests. However, rotational grazing can also lead to excessive accumulation of animal waste in a particular area, which can result in soil compaction, nutrient imbalance, and potential environmental issues. Therefore, it is important to manage rotational grazing properly to avoid excessive accumulation of organic matter in one area.

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The major difference between loan and subsidy is that a loan is money borrowed from a lender which must be paid back with interest, while a subsidy is financial assistance given by the government to reduce the cost of a particular product or service. A subsidy does not have to be repaid, and it can be given to both individuals and businesses to encourage specific activities or behaviors. On the other hand, a loan must be repaid within a specified period, and the borrower is usually required to pay interest on the amount borrowed.

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Clay will retain the greatest amount of water compared to the other options. This is because clay has smaller particles than sand or silt, which allows it to hold more water due to the greater surface area available for water molecules to bond to. Clay soils can retain water for longer periods of time, which can be beneficial for plant growth during dry periods. In contrast, sandy soils have larger particles with fewer surfaces available for water bonding, causing water to drain away more quickly. Loam soils are a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and can have varying water retention capacities depending on the ratio of the soil components.

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The edaphic factors are soil factors that affect agricultural production. Predators, on the other hand, are not related to soil but are biotic factors that may affect agricultural production. Therefore, predators is the answer as it is not an edaphic factor affecting agricultural production.

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Forestry is the study and management of forests and forest resources. It involves the science and practice of creating, maintaining, and managing forests for various purposes such as conservation, recreation, timber production, and wildlife habitat. Forestry aims to strike a balance between economic, social, and ecological benefits of forest resources, and it includes activities such as planting and caring for trees, managing forest ecosystems, protecting forests from pests and diseases, and harvesting timber in a sustainable manner.

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The best option for controlling water level in a fish pond with minimal loss of fish is a "monk with panel, screens and outlet channel". A monk is a structure that controls the flow of water in a pond. With a monk, water can be drained from the pond while the fish are kept safe in a compartment created by screens and panels. This method is effective in preventing fish from being carried away with the water during drainage. Wooden panels alone or wooden panels with screens may not be as effective in controlling the flow of water as the monk method. Similarly, using only screens or a monk without an outlet channel may not provide the necessary drainage required for the pond.

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The female sex hormone that is responsible for oestrus in farm animals is called "oestrogen". Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries and plays a key role in regulating the female reproductive system. It stimulates the development of the reproductive tract and secondary sexual characteristics, and triggers the onset of oestrus, which is the period of sexual receptivity in female animals. During oestrus, the female is ready to mate with a male and conceive offspring.

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Flood irrigation is mainly used in arid areas. In this type of irrigation, water is allowed to flow over the surface of the soil to wet the plants. This is a very old and simple method of irrigation that is still used today in areas where there is not enough water for other types of irrigation systems. Flood irrigation is effective in arid areas because it allows water to be distributed over a large area, and the water can seep down into the soil to reach the roots of the plants.

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A soil with a pH of 2 is highly acidic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral, values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline. A pH of 2 is very low on the scale, indicating that the soil is highly acidic. Highly acidic soils can be harmful to plant growth as they can limit the availability of nutrients essential for plant growth. It is important to adjust soil pH to the appropriate range for the type of plants being grown.

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Crop rotation has numerous benefits on the soil, including maintenance of soil fertility, reducing concentration of soil pests, improving soil structure, and reducing soil erosion. However, crop rotation does not predispose the soil to leaching. In fact, crop rotation can help to reduce leaching by improving soil structure, increasing soil organic matter, and reducing soil compaction. So, the correct option is "predisposing soil to leaching".

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In a high rainfall area, the poor yield of fertile soil may be due to leaching of soil nutrients. This occurs when there is excessive rainfall, which causes the nutrients in the soil to be washed away, leaving the soil nutrient-deficient. When this happens, the plants growing on the soil will not have the necessary nutrients for growth and development, which can lead to poor yield. The other options, such as low pH, lack of soil microbes, high alkalinity, and erosion, can also affect agricultural productivity, but they may not be specifically related to high rainfall areas.

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Yam is a tuber crop that requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The most suitable soil for cultivating yam is a well-drained loamy soil with a good amount of organic matter. This type of soil is called clay loam, which is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. Clay loam has good water retention capacity and provides a favorable environment for the growth of yam. Additionally, it is important to note that the soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimum growth of yam.

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The type of breeding described in the question is called "selection". Selection involves choosing individual plants with desired traits from a population of plants and using them to produce the next generation. This can be done over many generations to develop a population of plants with consistently desirable traits. In this type of breeding, plants that already have desirable traits that are well-adapted to their environment are chosen for breeding to develop a new population of plants with those desirable traits. This method is commonly used in agriculture to develop new crop varieties that have improved yield, disease resistance, or other desirable traits.

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Jute, cotton and sisal are classified as fiber crops. Fiber crops are plants cultivated for their fibers, which are used to make various products such as textiles, paper, and rope. Jute is a long, soft, and shiny fiber that is commonly used in the production of burlap sacks and twine. Cotton is a soft, fluffy fiber that grows in a boll, and is widely used in the textile industry. Sisal is a tough, hard fiber that is commonly used for making rope and twine.

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The characteristic that is not normally considered in the selection of animal for breeding is horn size. This is because the size of the horn does not have a significant impact on the animal's productivity or ability to produce quality offspring. The other characteristics listed, such as fertility, growth rate, resistance to disease, and milk quality and quantity, are all important factors that are typically considered in the selection of animals for breeding to ensure that the next generation of animals will be healthy, productive, and profitable.

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The gestation period in days of a sow is 114. The gestation period refers to the length of time between fertilization and birth. In the case of a sow, this is the period of time that the piglets develop inside the mother's womb. The gestation period of a sow is approximately 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days or 114 days. This is an important factor to consider for pig farmers as it determines the timing of farrowing and other management practices related to reproduction.

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The castrated male cattle is referred to as a "steer." When a male cow is castrated before reaching sexual maturity, it is called a steer. Steers are often raised for meat production, as they tend to gain weight quickly and have a calm disposition, making them easier to handle. They do not develop the physical characteristics of an adult bull and are typically smaller in size.

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The most common soil mineral found in all crystalline rocks and a main constituent of granite and sandstone is quartz. This mineral is very abundant on the earth's crust and it is formed by the combination of silicon and oxygen. Quartz is known for its durability and resistance to weathering, which makes it a common component of soils and sediments. It is also used in a variety of industrial applications, such as construction, electronics, and glassmaking.

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Blackarm is a bacterial disease that affects cotton. It is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum. The disease affects the leaves, stems, and bolls of the cotton plant, causing dark, water-soaked lesions that can eventually lead to defoliation and yield loss. The bacteria can survive in soil and plant debris, and can be spread by wind, rain, and agricultural practices such as pruning and harvesting.

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A metamorphic limestone is marble. Marble is a type of rock that forms when limestone, a sedimentary rock made of calcite or aragonite minerals, undergoes high pressure and heat over a long period of time. This process, called metamorphism, causes the limestone to recrystallize and change into a harder, more dense rock with a characteristic smooth and shiny surface. Marble is commonly used in architecture and sculpture due to its beauty, durability, and workability.

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N'dama cattle are well adapted to West Africa mainly because the breed is resistant to trypanosomiasis. Trypanosomiasis is a deadly disease that affects both humans and animals, and is caused by a parasite transmitted by the tsetse fly. It is prevalent in West Africa, making it challenging to rear livestock in the region. However, N'dama cattle have developed resistance to the disease over time, making them better adapted to the environment. This has made N'dama cattle a valuable breed in the region, as they provide a source of food and income for the local communities.

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The anti-sterility vitamin in livestock nutrition is vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant nutrient that protects body tissues from damage caused by free radicals. In livestock, it plays a crucial role in maintaining reproductive health and preventing infertility, hence its name "anti-sterility vitamin." It also helps in improving the immune system, preventing muscle disorders, and promoting healthy skin and hair.

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The water-snail is important in the life-cycle of a liver fluke. The liver fluke is a parasitic flatworm that infects the liver of various animals, including humans. The adult fluke releases its eggs in the bile ducts of the host, which are then excreted through feces. The eggs hatch in water, and the larvae infect snails. Inside the snail, the larvae multiply and undergo a series of developmental stages, eventually emerging as infectious forms that can infect other animals, including humans, through the consumption of contaminated water or vegetation. Therefore, the water-snail plays a crucial role in the life-cycle of the liver fluke by serving as an intermediate host for the parasite.

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Ground maize, also known as cornmeal, is a common ingredient in livestock feed. Its main function is to provide energy to the animals. Maize contains high levels of carbohydrates, which are easily digestible and can be converted into energy by the animal's body. This energy is necessary for the animal to carry out its normal activities, including growth, reproduction, and movement. While maize does contain some protein, it is not a significant source of building blocks for the animal's body. Other feed ingredients, such as soybean meal or alfalfa, are typically added to provide the necessary proteins for body building. Ground maize also helps to add bulk to the feed, making it more filling and providing the animal with a sense of satiety.

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The readiness of farmers to adopt viable agricultural research results is the most important factor that determines the rate of agriculture development in a country. Agricultural research is a key driver of innovation and technology adoption in agriculture. The success of agriculture largely depends on the ability of farmers to use modern technologies and techniques to improve yields, reduce losses, and increase profits. The readiness of farmers to adopt viable agricultural research results is crucial because it determines how fast new technologies and techniques can be introduced and spread across the farming community. The more willing farmers are to adopt new methods and technologies, the faster agriculture development will occur in the country.

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The correct answer is "increase in soil acidity." Grazing can have various effects on soil, such as exposing it to erosion, destroying soil structure, and reducing the rate of water percolation. However, grazing does not directly cause an increase in soil acidity. Grazing animals can produce acidic urine, but this is generally balanced by the alkaline effect of their dung. Therefore, grazing does not directly lead to an increase in soil acidity.

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The mesocarp of an oil palm fruit refers to the fleshy, fibrous layer between the outer skin and the hard inner shell. It is commonly referred to as the "pulp" and contains the majority of the oil produced by the fruit. The other parts of the fruit include the nut (which contains the kernel), the shell (the hard outer layer), and the seed (which is the whole fruit, including the shell and kernel).

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In underground drainage, water seeps into the tiles to reach an outlet where water is disposed. Underground drainage is a method of removing excess water from the soil through a system of buried tiles, which are porous and allow water to seep through. These tiles are laid out in a network of drains or channels, leading to an outlet or a collection point where water can be disposed of. The water is directed away from the crop roots and towards a designated disposal area, preventing waterlogging and soil saturation that can damage crops.

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Depreciation is the loss in value of an asset over time due to wear and tear or obsolescence resulting from its use in the normal course of business. It reflects the decrease in an asset's value over time, which is recorded as an expense on a company's income statement. This decrease in value is due to factors such as age, wear and tear, and obsolescence, and it affects the asset's book value or carrying value. Depreciation is important in financial accounting because it helps to accurately reflect the true value of assets on a company's balance sheet.

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Agricultural finance is not a method or agent of disseminating agricultural information. Agricultural finance refers to the financial services provided to farmers or agribusinesses for agricultural purposes, such as loans, insurance, and investments. In contrast, the other options mentioned are all methods or agents of disseminating agricultural information, including individual contact (such as farmer field schools), agricultural programmes (such as extension services), marketing channels (such as market information systems), and co-operative societies (such as farmer organizations).

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Molasses is a major by-product that is obtained after the processing of sugarcane. When sugarcane is processed to extract sugar, the juice is boiled to remove the water content and concentrate the sugar. Molasses is the thick, syrupy residue that is left behind after the sugar crystals have been removed. It is often used in animal feed as a source of energy and as a binding agent in feed pellets. It can also be used in the production of alcohol, rum, and other distilled spirits.

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Air sacs are present in poultry. Poultry, such as chickens, have a unique respiratory system that includes not only lungs but also air sacs. These air sacs are connected to the lungs and extend throughout the body cavity, allowing for efficient gas exchange and respiratory function. Air moves through the lungs and air sacs in a continuous, one-way flow, which helps birds to obtain oxygen and remove carbon dioxide more effectively than other animals with a less complex respiratory system. Therefore, air sacs are a key feature of the respiratory system of poultry, enabling them to have efficient gas exchange and support their high metabolic rate.

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The amount of feed that is needed to maintain the live weight of an animal, without causing an increase or a decrease in weight, is called the maintenance ration. This means that the animal is neither gaining nor losing weight, but is simply maintaining its current weight. The maintenance ration is important because it ensures that the animal is getting the necessary nutrients to maintain its body functions and perform its daily activities, without being overfed or underfed. The other options listed are specific types of rations for different categories of animals, such as weaners, breeders, and animals in production, which require different levels and types of nutrients to support their growth and reproductive processes.

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The option that is not a characteristic of a good pasture is "low leaf to stem ratio". A good pasture should have a high leaf to stem ratio because the leaves are the most palatable and nutritious part of the plant. High palatability, high nutritive value, high digestibility, and high resistance to trampling are all desirable characteristics of a good pasture. High palatability ensures that animals will consume enough forage, high nutritive value ensures that the forage meets the animal's nutritional requirements, high digestibility ensures that the animal can utilize the nutrients in the forage efficiently, and high resistance to trampling ensures that the pasture can withstand the grazing pressure from animals without being damaged.