ABSTRACT
Ear notching/punching is a long-term identification method that can be performed quickly with little pain or distress. Using an ear punch, holes or notches are placed in the ears following a simple identification chart. Removed tissue can be used for genotyping, possibly replacing the need for a tail biopsy. Care must be taken when placing the punches; if tags are too close to the edge of the ear, rats may rip or tear open the punches, leaving patterns hard to identify.
