What is ear notching?

• A. Identification
• B. Method of identifying pigs
• C. Large area, low input system
• D. Amount of feed needed for growth

Answer: (B)

Ear notching is a specific method used to permanently identify pigs by removing small, precise wedges from particular spots on the ears to create a unique code. The pattern of notches serves as an permanent visual ID that’s easy to read at a glance, even from a distance or when animals are moving through housing or at wean-to-finish stages. It’s favored because, unlike ear tags or collars, the ID cannot be lost or easily damaged, and it provides a quick way for producers to track litter origin, individual pig numbers, and overall herd records. This approach is about the technique of identifying pigs, not about general labels, production systems, or feed requirements. In practice, farms follow a standardized notch system so everyone can interpret the code consistently.