Which condition must exist for pigs to be ear notched effectively?

For ear notching pigs effectively, having them in a calm environment is crucial. A calm environment minimizes stress for the animal, which can lead to better cooperation during the procedure. Stress in pigs can result in movement and anxiety, making it difficult for the handler to perform the ear notching accurately and safely. Additionally, a calm setting can help ensure the process is quick and less traumatic for the animal, which is important for both animal welfare and the precision of the identification process.

While health, age, and weaning status are important factors in general animal management, they do not directly relate to the success of the ear notching process. An animal may be healthy, of the right age, or weaned, but if the environment is not calm, the effectiveness of the ear notching could still be compromised. Thus, environmental conditions play a pivotal role in this procedure.