LIVESTOCK INDENTIFICATION

REASONS TO BRAND Keeping records Performance testing—Purebred herds Culling purposes

Definitions Ancestry—The lineage or lines of parents of a particular animal Brucellosis—Infection from a bacteria causing abortions in animals. Cryogenic—Dealing with very low temperatures. Purebred– Parents of the same breed

Tanning– The process of converting hides or skins into leather Tuberculosis (TB) Disease caused by an organism that mainly affects the lungs

Types of Branding Irons RUNNING STAMPING MADE FROM STEER OR COPPER LONG HANDLE

Hot Branding Also called: Fire Branding Permanent Can Be seen from a distance

Disadvantages Experience to make brands that can be read. Hair must be clipped in winter Damages skin Some think its inhumane

STEPS FOR HOT BRANDING Heat to proper temperature. Silvery gray Restrain Do not brand wet hides. Causes scalding and excessive scarring. Clip hair if heavy or dirty. Brand right place. Firmly press until hide turns dark tan color Usually 3 to 5 seconds

PLACES TO BRAND SHOULDER NECK THIGH

HORN BRANDING Uses small branding irons. Must redo ever 2 to 3 years. Hereford breeders

Electric branding A pre shaped design or certain numbers Constant temperature Disadvantage: needs electrical source

FREEZE BRANDING Marks hides by freezing the hide Called cryogenic branding Considered more humane

Disadvantages Brands need to be clipped in winter Causes hair to turn white or fall out White brand is hard to see on white, yellow or red hides. Small numbers it’s expensive