What is the primary reason for ear notching pigs?

Ear notching in pigs is primarily used for identification purposes. This method involves creating specific patterns in the ears of animals that allow farmers and breeders to accurately track and manage individual animals. Each notch corresponds to a unique identification number, which can convey important information such as the animal's age, breeding lineage, or production history. This systematic approach to identification helps improve herd management and facilitates record-keeping for breeding programs.

While ear notching may have implications for breeding, health monitoring, and market preparation, those are secondary benefits compared to the clarity and efficiency that ear notching provides for identifying and managing pigs throughout their lifecycle.