Ref Code: CAT03

Category

Teaching - 3 (Instructor:student ratio 1:3)

Research - 4

Objective

Permanent identification of cattle with fire or freeze brand.

Alternatives to animal use for teaching

Practice on alternative materials (leather, timber, jute bags) should be undertaken before use of live animals.

Details of procedure

Branding is not compulsory; however, if used, the brand must be registered. Animals should be adequately restrained to minimise stress and to ensure safety to both animal and operator.

1. Fire branding. The use of brands should be discouraged in the interests of reduced hide damage. They should be as small as possible and positioned close to the centre line of the body. Butt brands should be placed close to the tail head. When carried out, it is usually conducted with calf marking at about 3 months of age.
   
   Brand temperature should be such that a clear brand will be possible within 3-4 seconds. Red hot irons will cause excessive penetration of the hide. Blue hot irons are ideal.
    
   Wet calves should not be branded, as brands cannot be kept at a suitable temperature and scalding may occur.
    
   Do not brand with a fire brand after treatment with a pour-on chemical.
    
2. Freeze branding. Prior to freeze branding, the animal should have reached its mature size.
   
   The area to be branded should be a flat area of skin. It should be clipped and swabbed with methylated spirits. Brands are cooled in liquid nitrogen or a methylated spirits and dry ice mixture, and applied to the clipped area. The duration of application varies according to whether a white hair brand or a bare skin brand is required.

Drugs, chemicals or biological agents

Nil.

Impact of procedure on wellbeing of animal(s)

Generally, there is a movement reaction from the animal at about 10 seconds - care should be taken so that the brand remains in the same position. If the brand slips with freeze branding, over-branding is not recommended. The animal will experience some short-term pain.

Reuse and repeated use

Animals may be branded only as required for normal identification procedures.

Care of animal(s) during/after procedure

If carried out correctly, no special care is required. In a teaching situation, if brand is applied too deeply, the use of a fly repellent may be indicated.

Pain relief measures

None required.

Qualifications, experience skills or training necessary to perform this procedure

Demonstrator

Competence in technique, ability to take appropriate action if problems occur.

Students

Familiarity with technique through practice on non-living alternatives.