Branding Cattle

Branding calves is a common practice in livestock management, particularly in ranching, to prove ownership and help manage herds. Longhorn cattle require a permanent brand to be registered. Either a fire brand or a freeze brand. A holding brand and a private herd number are recorded on each registration paper.

Preparation

1. Equipment:
   • Branding Irons: Ensure you have the correct branding irons. They can be either electric or traditional fire-heated irons. Ensure they are clean and in good condition.
   • Heat Source: If using traditional irons, you’ll need a pot with a propane burner or a branding fire.
   • Facilities: Prepare a secure area for branding, such as a corral or chute system, to safely restrain the calves.
   • Personnel: Ensure you have enough trained help to handle and restrain the calves, and to operate the branding equipment.
   • Heating the Branding Iron:
   • • Heat the branding iron until it glows.
     • Test the heat of the iron on a piece of wood or leather to ensure it’s hot enough to create a clear brand.
     • Branding Process

1. Restraint and Handling:
   • Safely restrain the calf to minimize movement and reduce stress. This can be done using a calf table, squeeze chute, or ropes.
2. Branding Technique:
   • Position the branding iron correctly on the calf’s hide. The most common placement is on the hip or rib.
   • Apply the branding iron firmly and evenly, using a rocking motion if necessary, to ensure an even brand. The contact time should be around 3-5 seconds, depending on the iron’s temperature and the amount of hair growth on the particular calf. Branding is typically done during warmer months when hair is short. Never try to brand wet animals.
   • Remove the iron promptly and check the brand to ensure it’s clear and complete. A correct brand should look like tanned leather when complete.

Record Keeping

1. Documentation:
   • Record the branding date, the calf’s identification number or name, and the location of the brand. This helps in maintaining accurate herd records.
   • Update ownership records and notify any relevant authorities or registries if required.

Alternatives and Considerations

1. Alternatives to Hot Branding:
   • Consider freeze branding, which uses extreme cold to create a brand. This method produces white hair growth in the branded area.
   • Ear tagging, microchipping, and DNA sampling are other methods for identifying and tracking livestock without branding.