Freeze brands last the animal’s lifetime when done correctly. In two to four weeks, the skin peels. Unpigmented hair regrows. Swelling subsides in hours. Branding takes three to ten minutes per animal, costing under $0.05 each with dry ice. Grey horses brand well, though white cattle less so. Use smaller irons on thinner skin. Standardbred freeze brands denote state of birth, year, and registration number. Ride, rug, and feed branded horses normally. The process is gradual, up to three months for full brand visibility. It’s less painful and stressful than hot branding, with less distortion. Maintain on-site equipment. Both identify animals.
Freeze branding is more expensive and more difficult than hot-iron branding. With dry ice and methanol as practical alternatives, producers at the Orr Center prefer to use them instead of liquid nitrogen. Hot brands may last longer but can result in scarring and pain for weeks.
If a freeze brand is left on too long, the risks can include excessive skin damage. It is essential to adhere to the recommended branding time to prevent harm to the animal.