Understanding Pig Ear Notching System

Anthon Heilmann from the Country Cousins and Kids 4-H Club explains the ear notching system used for identifying swine. The right ear represents the litter number, while the left ear indicates the pig number. Various examples are provided to demonstrate how to read ear notches, including both simple and complex cases. The video concludes with a review of the system and a summary of key points.

What is the primary purpose of ear notching in swine?

• To identify the pig's breed

• To track pigs back to their farm of birth

• To mark pigs for sale

• To determine the pig's age

In the ear notching system, what does the right ear represent?

• The pig's weight

• The litter number

• The pig's birth year

• The pig's breed

If a pig has a notch of 'one' on its left ear, what does it signify?

• The pig is the first of its breed

• The pig was born in the first month

• The pig was the first born in its litter

• The pig is one year old

How would you read a pig's ear notch if it has a 'one' and 'nine' on the right ear and 'two ones' and 'three' on the left ear?

• Ten, five

• Seven, ten

• Five, three

• One, nine

What does a pig's ear notch of 'seven, ten' indicate?

• Tenth pig of the year, seventh litter

• Seventh pig of the year, tenth litter

• Born in the tenth litter, seventh pig

• Born in the seventh litter, tenth pig

If a pig has 'two ones' and 'three, four, five' on the right ear, and 'three' on the left ear, how is it read?

• Three, five

• Five, four

• Five, three

• Three, four

What does a pig's ear notch of '135, six' signify?

• 135th pig, sixth litter

• 135th litter, sixth pig

• Sixth pig, 135th year

• Sixth litter, 135th pig

How would you interpret a pig's ear notch of '34, four'?

• Fourth pig, 34th litter

• 34th pig, fourth litter

• Fourth litter, 34th pig

• 34th litter, fourth pig

What is the significance of having multiple notches in one area of the ear?

• It means you add the numbers together

• It shows the pig's weight

• It indicates the pig's age

• It represents the pig's breed

What numbers are used for the left ear in the ear notching system?

• Five, seven, eight

• Two, four, six

• One, three, nine

• Zero, one, two