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A domestic male pig. This pig was the 5th pig born in his litter as indicated by the notches on his left ear. To learn more about Swine Notching see the notes below and follow the link provided.
The marks made on this pigs' ears are notches. The pigs right ear is used for litter mark, and all pigs in the same litter must have the same ear notches in this ear. The left ear is used for notches to show individual pig number in the litter. Each pig will have different notches in this ear. http://www.ansci.wsu.edu/facilities/swin...
Spotted on May 13, 2009
Submitted on Oct 12, 2011
12 Comments
@CourtneyVerk -- All trap, neuter, release programs for feral cats just cut off the tip of the right ear so if the cat is ever trapped again, the vet won't try to neuter it again. I've trapped two cats, one at a time, and that's what's happened. Some cities have more aggressive and organized TNR programs than others.
Thanks HeatherMiller!
@Ava T-B there is definitely a universal set of rules for swine notching, I can't speak to the rules of notching other animals. I also read that in many cities vets will trap a large colony of feral cats and notch the tip of their ears to mark that they have been spayed/neutered before they are released.
Ungulates at the San Diego Zoo (and I assume all zoos) also have their ears notched to keep individuals identified. I think this is a world-wide system.
Great post on the ear notching. I had no idea.
I've updated this entry to include some information on swine notching, just incase anyone else is interested :)
You're welcome. Just some past experience as a "farm boy" many years ago...
Thank you for pointing this out S Frazier. I read up on ear notching. It's a pretty cool concept, and there are actually global standards. Thankfully notching takes place soon after birth.
Those are probably notches in his ears, a kind of code to keep track of his age/lineage.
:) Yes he's all grown up now and rather dirty these days but still happy! I love his swiss cheese ears. Next time I visit him I will take a picture and update this spotting.
He's so clean - and happy looking.
No this pig isn't my pet rossaaron460. I actually found him at a farm in a provincial park so I assume he is someone's pet...perhaps I should edit?
Is that yours?