I helped Daniel and Tessia freeze brand. Freeze branding is much different than hot branding. The irons are placed in liquid nitrogen so that the metal forms ice on the handles.
The cow or bull is shaved.
Wiped down and sprayed with alcohol, the appropriate numbers are selected and held in place.
The brand is held in place for about 45 seconds, until the hide is hard and frozen.
The brand will peel just like a hot brand. After a while, the hair should grow in white. When that happens, I’ll grab a photo.
Freeze branding is a humane and permanent method of animal identification that involves using liquid nitrogen or dry ice to freeze a metal branding iron, which is then applied to the animal’s skin. This process destroys the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles, causing the branded area to grow back with white hair, creating a visible, lasting mark. Unlike traditional hot-iron branding, freeze branding is less painful and reduces tissue damage, making it a preferred choice for livestock owners and breeders. The technique is widely used for horses, cattle, and other large animals, ensuring clear identification for ownership, health records, and pedigree tracking. Proper application requires precision and adherence to specific temperatures and durations to achieve optimal results without causing unnecessary distress to the animal. Despite its advantages, freeze branding demands skill and training to avoid complications such as uneven marks or tissue necrosis. Its effectiveness and animal-friendly nature have made it a standard practice in modern livestock management