What is one method to identify swine using ear notching?

One method to identify swine using ear notching is universal ear notching. This technique involves making specific notches in the pig's ear, where each notch corresponds to a specific identification number. The universal ear notching system uses a standardized set of notches that allows for clear identification and easier tracking of individual animals within a herd.

This method is particularly advantageous because it does not require additional equipment or external tags that can be lost or damaged. Ear notching is a permanent identification method, which means that it stays with the animal throughout its life, ensuring continuous tracking of lineage and health records. Additionally, it is a cost-effective way for producers to maintain accurate records of their swine without incurring the costs associated with other identification systems.

In contrast, metal tags, pituitary gland labels, and neck ringers are alternative identification methods that rely on physical attachments or forms of tagging, which can sometimes fall off, be damaged, or lead to complications for the animal. These methods do not offer the same level of permanence or ease of identification as universal ear notching, which is why the latter is recognized as a preferred method for identifying swine.