What identification system is commonly used in hog production?

In hog production, ear notching is a widely accepted identification system due to its effectiveness and practicality. This method involves removing small pieces of the pig's ear in specific patterns that correspond to a predetermined identification system. Each notch represents a different number or letter, allowing producers to create a unique identification for each animal. One of the main advantages of ear notching is its permanence; once the notches are made, they remain visible throughout the pig's life, which is crucial for managing breeding, health records, and traceability.

Ear notching is also practical in terms of cost and ease of implementation. It can be performed quickly and with minimal equipment, making it accessible for producers. Moreover, it helps in easily tracking lineages and ensuring that breeders can maintain accurate breeding records, which is essential in large-scale hog production operations.

Though other methods like ear tagging, tattooing, and microchipping are available, they may not be as prevalent or suitable as ear notching in many hog farming environments. For example, ear tags can be lost or damaged more easily, while tattooing may not be as easily readable from a distance, and microchipping can be more costly and complex to implement in a typical farm setting.