NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 1 of 12
Assessment Schedule – 2008
Agricultural and Horticultural Science: Describe modification of livestock reproduction
or plant propagation to improve productivity (90453)
SECTION A: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
Evidence Statement
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
Describes how the
rear-end is
elevated.
Achievement
with Merit
ONE
(a)
(i)
An angled cradle with adjustable
ratchets is used to hold the rear
legs.
A1
(ii)
This assists in the insemination
process as it results in the gut
contents clearing the reproductive
organs, which allows for easy
identification and access for
insemination.
M1
(b)
(i)
Carbon dioxide gas is pumped
from a gas cylinder into the
abdominal cavity.
A1
(ii)
This assists the separation of
muscle tissue from the
reproductive organs, allowing for
better vision when using
laparoscopic equipment for
insemination.
M1
(c)
The laparoscopic insemination
technique increases the chance
of fertilisation when using frozen
semen because semen is placed
in the horn of the uterus, close to
the ovulated egg.
In this technique, semen
bypasses the cervix, which acts
as a barrier to semen when
inseminated into the opening of
the cervix.
A1
OR
M1
Explains the link
between the falling
of gut contents and
ease of
identification and
access.
Describes how the
gut area is
inflated.
Explains the link
between inflation of
the gut area and
separation of
tissue, and better
vision.
Describes how
laparoscopic
insemination
improves
fertilisation when
using frozen
semen.
Explains the link
between the cervix,
semen movement
and the chance of
fertilisation.
Achievement
with Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 2 of 12
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
Achievement with
Merit
TWO
(a)
Factors include:
(i)
Description of a factor: a
number of ewes with multiple
foetuses.
Explanation: it takes a
technician more time to
accurately interpret screens
depicting twins and triplets.
and
(ii)
Description of a factor: the
ability of on-farm facilities to aid
ewe movement.
Explanation: good facilities that
encourage “ewes to run” mean
that time is saved when loading
and releasing ewes from the
scanning crate.
Description of a factor: ewe
temperament.
Explanation: docile ewes or
ewes subject to regular handling
in yards will allow a technician to
place a probe on their belly
without difficulty, thereby
reducing the time taken to
complete the task.
A1
AND
M1
Describes ONE
factor that would
influence the
scanning rate.
Explains the link
between ONE
factor and how it
influences the rate
of scanning.
Achievement with
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 3 of 12
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
TWO
(b)
Is worthwhile:
Describe
Intensive farmers with higher
lambing percentages, earlier
lambing dates and pressure on
available pasture stand to benefit
from scanning.
Explain
Being able to allocate pasture to
priority ewes and lambs will lead
to higher survival rates (through
reduced dystocia and / or fewer
deaths of light lambs from
exposure). Extra numbers of
lambs earn higher income, which
more than compensates for the
cost of scanning.
A2
OR
M2
Describes ONE
factor that has a
significant impact
on the willingness
of farmers to scan
ewes.
Is not worthwhile:
Describe
On hill and high country
properties the production of one
good lamb per ewe is regarded
as desirable. In such cases and
with consideration of breeds like
merino, the number of multiplebearing ewes is significantly less
than with the higher-fertility
breeds used on intensive
properties.
Explain
The advantages of scanning
could be negated by the vagaries
of climate and the poorer
vegetation available on hill and
high country properties.
Mustering stock would also be
more complicated. Overall, the
financial cost of scanning may not
be justified.
Achievement with
Merit
Explains the link
between ONE
factor and the
impact it has on the
financial or
managerial
advantages of
scanning ewes.
Achievement with
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 4 of 12
Q
Evidence
Achievement with
Merit
Code
Achievement
A1
OR
M1
Identifies ONE item
of relevant data
when selecting a
bull for the situation
provided.
Explains the link
between ONE item
of relevant data
used to select the
bull given the
resources, and
market
requirements.
Describes the ability
of selection to
identify and use
genetically superior
animals.
Explains the link
between the
genetic superiority
of selected animals
and economic
productive traits
and overall
increased financial
returns.
THREE
(a)
Selected bull: bull 05-68
Significant data / information for
choice
(b)

Birthweight BV: Low
birthweight BVs are desirable
for ease of calving when
using smaller breeds such as
Jerseys.

200-day weight BV: High
200-day weight BVs are
desirable because calves will
reach good weights earlier,
thereby freeing up feed for
other animals on the Waikato
farm.

600-day weight BV: High
600-day weight BVs are
desirable for the purchaser of
the calves, who will need fast
growth rates till 580 days –
killing age.

New Zealand bull / data: A
New Zealand-based bull will
provide more reliable data.
Conditions similar to the
Waikato farm will be more
easily recreated on the
purchaser’s property.
Selection of genetically superior
males results in their genes
making up 50% of the genetic
material in a large number of
offspring, so genetic gains for
productive traits (such as milk
yield) are permanent, resulting in
higher financial returns.
Often, culling results from poor
environmental conditions. If
based on appearance, eg
weaning, barren ewes look
superb. However, there is a big
risk that genetically superior
animals are culled and with them
productive ability and future
income are sacrificed.
A male of superior genetics can
be used over a whole flock and
within a few generations produce
a flock of high performing ewes.
Culling ewes may only improve
the genetics of a few offspring in
the first generation
A male has more offspring than a
female so the impact of genetic
improvement is quicker.
A2
OR
M2
Achievement with
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 5 of 12
Q
Evidence
THREE eg
Rank order
(c)
(1) A – artificially inseminate
cows with semen from
proven Hereford bulls
(2) B – purchase and use
Hereford bulls from a
high country stud
(3) C – cull all cows that do not
produce a live calf at
calving.
Examples
Artificially inseminate cows
with semen from proven
Hereford bulls
On the surface this appears the
best option, but identifying when
cows are on heat is difficult on
extensive properties and
mustering identified “on heat”
cows for insemination purposes is
time-consuming and relies on
having a trained inseminator on
hand – not always possible.
Semen should be from bulls
whose BVs were derived under
extensive conditions. This
provides more reliable indicators
of expected performance.
Purchase and use Hereford
bulls from a high country stud
Stud breeders will be aware of
the requirements of high country
farmers and bulls will have been
reared in an environment similar
to that where their offspring will
be reared. Easy calving and good
mothering will be crucial to raising
the number of calves for sale.
Natural mating does involve
purchasing bulls, but there are
few additional costs due to its
minimal labour requirements. No
artificial breeding technical
intervention is necessary.
Cull all cows that do not
produce a live calf at calving
Live births are essential for sales
but the reasons for deaths could
be managerial, such as a large
bull being used; environmental,
such as snow during calving; as
well as genetic, such as small
body size and temperament. The
action does not solve the problem
of deaths after birth. There
remains a need to replace culled
cows in order to maintain cow
numbers and calves reared.
Code
A2
OR
M2
OR
E
Achievement
Award A2 for a
description of a
management
practice.
Achievement with
Merit
Achievement with
Excellence
Award M2 for an
explanation of a
management
practice and how it
will increase the
number of calves
for sale.
Justifies the order
by explaining why
one technique is
more likely to
increase the
number of calves
for sale compared
with ONE of the
other techniques.
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 6 of 12
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
Achievement with
Merit
Achievement with
Excellence
Evidence can be
used toward M2
when explaining a
new technique.
Justifies why the
highest-ranked
technique will be a
more effective way
to increase the
number of cows
compared with
ONE of the other
techniques.
FOUR
E
eg
Rank order
(1) A – use of OVsynch
(2) B – use of CIDRs
(3) C – use of inductions.
All the techniques will achieve a
concentrated calving pattern but
there are significant differences
between the techniques in terms
of cost, ease of operation,
expertise required and market
acceptance.
Evidence can be
used toward A2
when describing a
new technique.
Use of OVsynch
Given that this is a first-time dairy
farmer, it is likely that outside
assistance from a vet would be
required. On the basis of the
information it appears that use of
OVsynch is desirable – simple,
hygienic and requiring little direct
involvement from the farmer.
Use of CIDRs
This is a proven technique but it
does require some expertise
when inserting and removing.
However, the cost of $18 appears
lower than the cost of a vet would
be.
Use of inductions
This has a financial implication
through the cost of vet treatment,
calf deaths, and dead cows.
Given that in the near future
inductions will be permitted only
in emergency situations, dealing
with the problem without resorting
to this technique is a wise course
of action.
Judgement Statement – 2008
SECTION A: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
Achievement
2  A1 / M1
1  A2 / M2
Achievement with Merit
2  M1
1  M2
Achievement with Excellence
1E
2  M1
1  M2
plus
plus
3 other A1 / M1; A2 / M2
3 other A1 / M1; A2 / M2
A grade in brackets eg (A2) signals that evidence for another question in the paper is being recognised.
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 7 of 12
Assessment Schedule – 2008
Agricultural and Horticultural Science: Describe modification of livestock reproduction
or plant propagation to improve productivity (90453)
SECTION B: HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
Evidence Statement
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
A1
Describes TWO
properties of a
growing medium
that should be
used to promote
root growth in
seedlings such as
lettuces.
Achievement
with Merit
ONE
(a)
(i)
Growing medium properties
include:
 high moisture retention
 sterile
 drains freely
 good aeration
 adequate nutrients.
(ii)
For good root growth, roots
require water, nutrients, oxygen,
support and anchorage.
The growing media needs to be
free-draining, so the roots can get
oxygen to respire.
The above properties of a growing
medium provide a balance
between water retention and
drainage qualities, resulting in
availability of oxygen and water
needed for respiration, and allow
roots to easily push their way
through the medium as they grow.
M1
Evidence toward
(a) (i) available for
new / additional
information.
Explains how
growing medium
promotes root
growth.
(iii)
By utilising a growing medium,
the root system has ready access
to water / nutrients / all growing
requirements. Improved root
growth will increase water and
nutrient uptake, leading to an
increase in photosynthesis,
producing large, healthy
seedlings ready to be
transplanted in minimum time.
A2
OR
M2
Describes how the
use of this growing
medium increases
uptake of water
and any available
nutrients.
Explains the link
between the use of
this growing
medium and root
mass, along with
the reduction in the
time taken to
produce seedlings
ready for
transplanting.
(b)
(i)
Use of iron mesh screening
material that elevates seed trays
10–15cm above the ground /
trays are elevated.
A1
Describes a
technique that
allows for air
circulation below
the seed trays.
(ii)
The mesh framework improves
the flow of air / oxygen below the
seed trays and around the roots.
This leads to increased
respiration in roots and will
produce large, healthy seedlings
in minimum time.
M1
Explains how the
mesh framework
technique
produces healthy
roots.
Achievement
with Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 8 of 12
Q
One
(c)
Evidence
eg
Rank order
(1) A – using a commercially
produced seed-raising
medium
(2) C – installing an irrigation
misting system above the
seed trays
(3) B – providing air circulation
beneath the seed trays.
Examples
Using a commercially produced
seed-raising medium
Utilising a seed-raising medium that
has additives for water retention and
aeration ensures that the root
system has ready access to all the
requirements for growth. Improved
root growth will increase water and
nutrient uptake, leading to an
increase in photosynthesis. These
responses will produce large,
healthy seedlings ready to be
transplanted in minimum time.
Installing an irrigation misting
system above the seed trays
Maintaining high humidity in the
atmosphere and adequate levels of
moisture in the growing medium will
reduce transpiration and increase
water uptake. This increases
photosynthesis and will produce
large, healthy seedlings in minimum
time. However, utilising this
technique without a specialised
growing medium would not lead to a
decrease in production time.
Providing air circulation beneath
the seed trays
One technique for providing air
circulation beneath the seed trays is
known as the mesh framework. This
improves the flow of air / oxygen
below the seed trays and around the
roots, allows surplus water to drain
away and prevents a cold root
environment. This leads to
increased respiration in the roots
and will produce large, healthy
seedlings in minimum time.
However, utilising this technique
without a specialised growing
medium or a micro-irrigation system
would not lead to a decrease in
production time.
Code
Achievement
A1
OR
M1
OR
E
Award A1 for a
description of a
management
practice not
provided
elsewhere in the
paper.
Achievement
with Merit
Achievement
with Excellence
Explains which
technique has the
greater ability to
produce healthy
root systems and
to decrease
production time.
Award M1 for an
explanation of a
management
practice not
provided
elsewhere in the
paper.
Justifies the rank
order of techniques
by explaining which
one has the greater
ability to produce
healthy seedlings
in minimum time,
compared with
ONE other
technique.
Oxygen or
water/drainage
must be part of the
comparison
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 9 of 12
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
A1
Describes ONE
treatment taken to
maintain sterile
plant material or
equipment.
Achievement
with Merit
TWO
(a)
(i)
Plant material: treat with dilute
bleaching solutions, eg chlorine
but not heat.
Equipment: use a heat treatment
such as a meths burner,
autoclave etc or by use of
chemicals, eg meths.
(ii)
Sterilisation is used to kill off any
pests, diseases, bacteria or fungi
present. If sterile conditions were
not maintained, bacteria and
fungi would grow very rapidly on
the culture medium and prevent
tissue growth.
M1
(b)
(i)
Plant growth regulators stimulate
and increase the growth,
development and survival of the
embryo plants so they all grow
and develop at the same rate and
to a uniform size.
A2
(ii)
Tissue culture allows a large
number of plants to be grown. It
allows growers to select parent
material with the desired
characteristics. Many plants can
be grown from one parent and all
the plants will be identical.
Growers are able to supply large,
healthy, identical plants, which
over time consumers learn to
expect.
M2
(a)
(i)
A callus that has formed on a
cutting can be rubbed gently to
injure the outer cell mass, or be
soaked in dilute acid such as
vinegar for up to 30 minutes.
A1
(ii)
The above actions will allow root
emergence through the injured
cell mass, thus encouraging and
quickening root development in
the cutting.
M1
Explains how ONE
of the steps
described
increases the
chance of success
when using tissue
culture.
Describes how
growth regulators
affect plant
material, assisting
in the production
of identical plants.
Explains how using
plant material from
tissue culture to
grow radiata pine
or orchids is
desirable to
EITHER a
commercial
forester OR a
producer of orchids
for export.
THREE
Describes ONE
action that could
be taken to control
a callus so that it
does not hinder
the growth of
cuttings.
Explains how the
action taken
assists the growth
of cuttings. Must
link callus removal
to quickening root
development.
Achievement
with Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 10 of 12
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
Three
(b)
Describe
Callus control on cuttings results
in a greater strike rate and
stronger and larger plants, as
stronger roots are produced.
Explain
Increasing the ability of the plant
to absorb water and nutrients and
creating better anchorage in the
growing medium improves the
profitability of the production of
cuttings, as healthy plants
command a higher price and
reduced production time allows
for greater turnover and
associated sales / profits.
A2
OR
M2
Describes how the
use of callus
control, when
calluses are
present, impacts
on a factor that
has favourable
financial
implications for
commercial
production.
Achievement
with Merit
Explains how the
use of callus
control, when
calluses are
present, will
increase the
profitability of
commercial
production.
Achievement
with Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 11 of 12
Q
Evidence
Code
Achievement
eg
Rank order
(1) C – propagating from cuttings
using callus control
(2) A – propagating from seeds
germinated in a controlled
environment
(3) B – propagating from plant
material resulting from
tissue culture.
E
Evidence can be
used toward A1 /
A2 when
describing a new
technique for Q 1
(growing
environment), Q 2
(tissue culture) or
Q 3 (callus
control).
Achievement
with Merit
Achievement
with Excellence
Evidence can be
used toward M1 /
M2 when
explaining a new
technique for Q 1,
Q 2 or Q 3.
Justifies the rank
order of techniques
by explaining why
the highest-ranked
technique is more
suitable to produce
Christmas trees
that meet market
requirements for
quality and cost,
compared with
ONE of the other
techniques.
The comparison
must refer to ‘price’
and ‘genetic
variation’
differences.
FOUR
Examples
Propagating cuttings by using
callus control
 The cheapest option to
produce.
 Able to select parent material
with the desired
characteristics.
 Many plants can be grown
from one parent.
 Able to produce identical
plants.
 Can be produced in large
numbers.
 Plants grow to Christmas tree
height more quickly than with
the other techniques.
 Quickest production time for
the grower so quicker returns.
Propagating from seeds
germinated in a controlled
environment
 Higher cost to propagate
compared with cuttings due to
the time involved, but cheaper
than tissue culture.
 Able to select parent material
with the desired
characteristics.
 Quality seed with desired
characteristics can be in short
supply.
 A large number of seedlings
can be grown.
 A high level of variation
possible.
 Trees take longer to mature
compared with using cuttings.
 Medium time of production for
the grower.
Propagation from plant
material resulting from tissue
culture
 An expensive option, due to
the required sterile conditions
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2008 — page 12 of 12
and staff with high skill levels.
 A large number of plants can
be grown.
 Able to select parent material
with the desired
characteristics.
 Trees take longer to grow than
they do as seedlings.
 Many plants can be grown
from one parent.
 Plants will be identical.
 Longest production time for the
grower.
Judgement Statement – 2008
SECTION B: HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
Achievement
2  A1 / M1
1  A2 / M2
Achievement with Merit
2  M1
1  M2
Achievement with Excellence
1E
2  M1
1  M2
plus
plus
3 other A1 / M1; A2 / M2
3 other A1 / M1; A2 / M2
A grade in brackets eg (A2) signals that evidence for another question in the paper is being recognised.