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Angus Productions Inc.

October 20, 2011

freezebrand cropFreeze-branding

Cool tips for applying a better brand.

Freeze-branding was developed at Washington State University (WSU) in 1966, utilizing extremely cold branding irons chilled by liquid nitrogen or a mixture of alcohol and dry ice. Freezing kills pigment-producing cells in hair follicles, and white hairs replace the natural hair color.

James England, University of Idaho, says two key factors for a successful freeze brand are clipping the area (very close to the skin) and pre-wetting the skin with 70% alcohol.

"This helps conduct cold better," he says. The area should be brushed clean, clipped, then brushed again to make sure there's no loose hair or scurf to interfere with the iron getting next to the hide. If you must wash it, thoroughly dry the brand site. Then apply alcohol to completely wet the shaved skin and immediately place the branding iron on the wet area.

England prefers liquid nitrogen rather than a mix of alcohol and dry ice, because, he says, you can get the irons colder and make a better brand. A brass branding iron conducts cold the best. Liquid nitrogen is the coldest fluid (–344° F), and branding irons don't need to be left on the skin as long.

Irons should be placed in a small Styrofoam container with fluid deep enough to completely submerge them, he explains. "They are ready to use when the fluid stops bubbling."

England has a cover with a hole in it on his container. He unscrews the handle from the branding iron and runs it through the cover. "When I'm not using it, the container is covered and fluid is not vaporizing."

freezebrand_demoUse a timer or a watch with a second hand to make sure you apply the irons long enough, and no longer than necessary. The amount of time needed will vary with the age of the animal. Adult cattle have the thickest hides, requiring 30-40 seconds. For young calves, 20 seconds may be enough. Begin timing when the iron first touches the hide, and apply enough pressure for good contact.

"The animal feels pain for a few seconds, but not as much as with a hot iron, because nerve endings are quickly frozen," England says.

When you remove the iron, there will be a frozen indentation in the skin. This quickly disappears. The branded tissue may swell for a few days. After that, the brand may not be easy to see until new hair grows in. The length of time for the white hair to fully grow depends on the time of year. "On average it takes about 4 months to really see the brand," England says.


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