Importance of Cattle Branding
Today, some ranchers still use cattle branding to mark their stock, as in the 1800s. Branding is part of ranching culture. Advancements include electric brander; the metal is heated electrically rather than fire. Branding is for permanent identification and proof of ownership. The cows at the Double R Ranch receive a brand with a unique number. If an ear tag fell out, the number brand would identify the animal.
Legality of Cattle Branding
Is it still legal to brand cattle?
Reasons for Ranchers to Brand Cattle
Why do ranchers still brand cattle? Branding cattle is a method of creating a unique identifier on livestock to deter theft and help with identification. Farmers use a hot iron to cause permanent scar on the animal so that it can’t be removed or forged. Each farm or ranch has a unique brand identifier and a unique location on the cow where they brand their cattle.
In the 1800s, cattle drives from Texas occurred to get cattle to railheads for sale of beef. During the Civil War demand for beef continued but no way existed to transport cattle east. In the 1870s Dodge City was the greatest cattle market in the world, earning the name “Cowboy Capital of the World.”
Today livestock branding marks ownership. Branding deters theft and helps return stolen animals. Advancements like electric brands heat metal with electricity not fire. Branding is part of ranching culture and history. The Double R Ranch brands cattle with unique numbers. If ear tags fall out, brands identify animals.