Answer: Humans have been using brands to identify livestock animals for thousands of years. In ancient times it was more of a ritualistic act. During the Middle Ages in Europe, hot branding was used to identify the owner of livestock. This has continued throughout history. In the American West branding is often associated with trail drives and cattle rustlers.
In more modern times, we have other styles of identification including ear tags, and tattoos, but branding is still used to identify ownership of animals. This is especially important in Western states, where grazing of public lands is vital to raising cattle. Out on the vast ranges cattle can easily wonder or get mixed with other herds. Believe it or not, there are still modern-day cattle rustlers to keep an eye out for. Being able to identify an animal’s owner by a brand is critically important. In many situations, brands are used to identify specific animals by branding a number on their side or hip. A brand is frequently used in the purebred cattle business to identify an animal’s original ownership after change in owners takes place. Most brands are placed either on the shoulder, side, or behind the hip. Excessive branding is discouraged because it decreases the leather value of the hide.
Branding was once mostly hot iron, heated in a fire pit or barrel. Hot brands tan the hide and leaves a scar where the brand was placed. This technique is still commonly used in large cattle herds like on this ranch near Colorado Springs. Other techniques in branding have also been introduced in more modern times. Electricity is commonly used to heat the branding iron or a freeze brand can also be used. This ranch in Wyoming also brands their cattle.
Freeze branding works by killing the pigment producing cells, resulting in white hair regrowth. Both of these can be easily read from a distance when done properly. The cow may budge and bawl for a moment, but no long-term harm or pain is done to the animal.
