How to Freeze Brand Cattle
Freeze branding works by destroying pigment cells in hair follicles, resulting in white hair regrowth. It provides effective identification readable at great distances. This permanent method causes less hide damage and cattle stress than hot branding.
Supplies Needed:
- Freeze branding irons
- 99% isopropyl alcohol
- Dry ice
- Spray bottle
Insert irons into the alcohol/dry ice cooling solution for about 10 minutes until completely chilled. Branding duration depends on cattle color and age. For light colored adult cattle, hold the iron for 60-90 seconds. For dark adult cattle, hold for 45-50 seconds. Brand calves for 20-30 seconds. Spring or fall are good seasons since new hair growth shows brands within 6-8 weeks.
Freezing Branding Cattle Duration
Freeze branding works by destroying pigment cells in hair follicles, resulting in white hair regrowth. It provides effective identification readable at great distances. This permanent method causes less hide damage and cattle stress than hot branding.
Branding duration depends on cattle color and age. Brand calves for 20-30 seconds. For light colored adult cattle, hold the iron for 60-90 seconds. For dark adult cattle, hold for 45-50 seconds.
Spring or fall are good seasons since new hair growth shows brands within 6-8 weeks.