Freeze branding is done by cooling a branding iron to −78 to −196 °C. The area will temporarily inflame but heal within days. Use dry ice and alcohol to freeze brands. Make an alcohol and dry ice mixture that allows irons to be submerged. One gallon of alcohol and 20 pounds of dry ice will brand about 20 cattle.
Freeze branding uses a coolant and copper irons. Dry ice and alcohol may work better but locating dry ice can be hard. Freeze brands may fade over time so also use tattoos. Research shows freeze branding causes less inflammation than hot irons. Hot irons stay painful longer. Alcohol spray helps apply the brand. Calves need 20-24 seconds, cows 25-30 seconds. In 2-3 weeks, the brand forms a scab and peels. In 6-8 weeks, white hair replaces the scab. Black, dark red or red animals work best.
Building a brand requires researching your audience and competitors, picking your focus and personality, choosing your business and slogan name, designing your logo, and applying branding across your business.
Supplies needed include a squeeze chute, freeze branding irons, a plastic or Styrofoam ice chest, dry ice, alcohol, clippers and electricity. After branding, place the iron back immediately to recool it to -300 degrees F before reuse. Copper, copper alloys and brass irons help achieve the best results. Irons should be deep, wide, and thick to maintain and transfer cold temperatures to kill pigment follicles.
In comparison with more penetrating techniques like fire or electric branding, freeze branding ensures lifelong visibility, which will ease finding lost cattle. The process takes longer but causes less stress for the cattle. The farmer must learn to handle the specialised equipment.
Right as a new hair coat starts (fall or spring) is a good time to freeze brand. Brands applied after a new hair coat may take four months to appear. Effective methods for cooling irons include using a dry ice and alcohol mixture to completely submerge the branding surface and part of the handle. Add alcohol and dry ice throughout the session.