Freeze Branding Registered Cattle

All the cattle on our ranch are identified by a specific number.

Registered cattle must be permanently identified, so we either put a tattoo in their ear, or a freeze brand on their side.

Freeze branding is a slow, boring process. Two of my boys are helping this time.

The brass irons are cooled in a bath of methyl alcohol and dry ice.

We also put our legal identifying brand on their hip.

Immediately after applying the iron, the skin layer is frozen, which changes the structure of the hair follicle so the hair grows in white forever!

For more information about freeze branding, see my previous posts:

• Family Time on a Family Farm
• Do You  Know Where Your Cows Are?