This NebFact offers instruction in pig ear notching

Brady, Scott

Wolverton, Doyle R.

Levis, Donald G.

Brumm, Michael C.

English

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University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Historical Materials from University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 
1993 
NF93-113 Proper Way to Ear Notch Pigs 
Scott Brady 
University of Nebraska--Lincoln, sbrady1@unl.edu 
Doyle R. Wolverton 
University of Nebraska--Lincoln, dwolverton1@unl.edu 
Donald G. Levis 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, donlevis@hotmail.com 
Michael C. Brumm 
University of Nebraska--Lincoln, mbrumm@hickorytech.net 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist 
 Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Curriculum and Instruction Commons 
Brady, Scott; Wolverton, Doyle R.; Levis, Donald G.; and Brumm, Michael C., "NF93-113 Proper Way to Ear 
Notch Pigs" (1993). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 1125. 
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/1125 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - 
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Nebraska Cooperative Extension NF93-113
Proper Way to Ear Notch Pigs 
Scott Brady, Extension Agent Chairman 
Reviewed by Doyle R. Wolverton, Extension Animal Science Youth Specialist 
Donald G. Levis, Extension Swine Specialist 
Michael C. Brumm, Extension Swine Specialist  
One basic task involved in the 4-H Swine Project that continually provides difficulty to many 4-H 
members, leaders and parents is properly ear notching project pigs. While for some this is a matter-of-
fact task, others have great difficulty understanding the purpose or practice of notching. This NebFact 
has been written for use as a guide in notching pigs, as well as a reference piece for a 4-H club meeting 
lesson.  
The first item to be discussed is the reason for ear notching.  
Notching provides: 
1. A permanent ID system 
2. Individual identity for all animals 
3. Inexpensive means of identification  
Time for notching is an important factor. If pigs can be notched when their tails are docked, or at 1-3 
days old, the task is much easier. If you allow pigs to become large (100 lbs), the task can become 
considerably demanding mentally and physically.  
If notching ears on older or larger pigs, it may be necessary to house them in separate pens until the 
notches heal. Pen mates not notched may be attracted to the bloody notches and start ear biting.  
The equipment needed to safely notch is limited to primarily the notchers and some disinfectant to dip it 
in. In some cases, spraying larger pigs with a wound dressing can be helpful.  
Small notchers typically make a notch that is 3/16 to 1/4 inch deep. This is the preferable size for pigs 
under 25 pounds. For larger pigs, a notcher that makes notches 1/2 inch deep is recommended. Avoid 
making notches too shallow, as they may become hard to read or possibly heal shut.  
Leave at least 1/4 inch between notches, and avoid making notches too close to the head.  
The key to successfully notching pigs lies in putting the notches in the right locations. It is also essential 
to notch each pig differently. To notch pigs properly, one must know the identity of each notch and its 
proper location. As noted in Figure 1, the right ear designates litter number, while the left ear indicates 
pig number.  
The right ear has five locations for notches, each assigned various numbers, either 1, 3, 81, 9 or 27. 
Except for the 81 notch, there may be one or two notches at each of the other four locations. To 
determine the litter number for a pig, the numerical values assigned each notch are added.  
Examples: 
Litter No. = 1+3+3+27=34 
Litter No. = 1+1+81+9=92
The notches on the left ear indicates pig number. There are three locations for these notches, and their 
numerical values are 1, 3 and 9. As with litter number, the number values are added.  
Examples: 
Pig No. = 1+1+3+9 = 14 
Avoid putting a notch midway in the outside edge of either ear. Such marks can easily be mistaken for 
either a 1 or a 3.  
Combining Both Ear 
Example: 
Example: 
Pig No. = 1+3+3 = 7
Litter No. 1+1+9+27 = 38 
Pig No. 1+3 = 4
Comments to Consider 
It is easier for both the person doing the notching and the pig if the process when the pig is very young. 
Preferably, pigs are notched during their first week of life.  
When combining ear notching with other pig processing, consider doing the notching last, as it tends to 
cause more bleeding than other procedures, such as teeth clipping, naval care, injections or tail docking. 
Remember, the reference to left and right ear refers to the pig's left or right ear, as viewed from the rear 
of the pig. Left and right does not refer to the viewers left or right.  
File NF113 under SWINE 
C-1, Swine Management 
Issued February 1993  
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation 
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Director of Cooperative Extension, 
University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination 
policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture. 
Litter No. 3+3+81 = 87 
Pig No. 3+9 = 12


NF93-113 Proper Way to Ear Notch Pigs

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NF93-113 Proper Way to Ear Notch Pigs

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