Pigs will bite and suck at ears as a vice usually before tail or flank biting. The biting and sucking leads to necrosis which is then nibbled off.
What is associated with ear necrosis?
- Diseases like PRRS / mycoplasma
- Poor circulation to skin and extremities
- Bacteria like staphylococci / streptococci
- Sick pigs displaying less avoidance behaviour / more redirected behaviour
If you see the first signs of ear sucking then it should be an indicator that
something is wrong and areas such as health, manipulable materials and
environment should be immediately reviewed. Disease stimulates ear necrosis, but
biting is the cause!
For more information on ear necrosis see the NADIS advice sheet here.