FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

In the ear notching process for swine, what does the right ear identify?

1. Sex of the pig

2. Litter number

3. Age of the show

4. Age of the pig

The correct answer is: Litter number

In the ear notching process for swine, the right ear is specifically used to identify the litter number. This system is an organized way to keep track of the pigs born within the same litter, which is crucial for breeding and management purposes. Each litter is assigned a unique number represented in the right ear, allowing producers to quickly determine the lineage and ensure productive breeding practices. Keeping accurate records of litter numbers is particularly important for genetic tracking, herd management, and overall production efficiency in swine operations. Notching in the right ear thus serves as an essential tool for producers in maintaining organized and effective breeding records.