Branding Demonstration

Iona B Stewart
Animal Science:  Cedara
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs

Introduction
Animals are branded for easier identification purposes, although it is a cruel and painful operation to inflict on an animal. It will soon be compulsory for stock farmers to brand their stock as the authorities argue that branding is essential to prohibit stock theft. This is blatantly not true. The latest figures indicate that just as many branded as non-branded animals are stolen. However, it is easier for the police to find and identify branded animals provided it has been done properly and the letters or numbers are legible. The same goes for stockmen themselves; there are certain breeds that are very difficult to distinguish from each other except with a brand or eartag, and the latter can fall out too easily. It seems strange that at a time when the country so desperately needs to nurture an overseas market for her products, the wrath of the EU and their strong animal rights lobby should be engaged and stimulated to ban us from their markets. However, if we are to obey our own laws, let us do so in the most sympathetic way we can, always taking into consideration the comfort and welfare of the animals.

The theory behind branding is to burn the epithelial cells of the epidermis preventing regrowth of the hair follicles and thus leaving a mark. In freeze branding, the pigment in the hair follicles are destroyed thus only the colour of the fur is changed and not the texture.

Hot-iron branding

Materials:

1. Suitable irons. Modern branding irons are made from an aluminium alloy, are fairly thin and thus a smaller surface of the skin area is actually in contact with the iron and they heat up very quickly, saving time and fuel.
   

2. Heating material. Traditionally a coal or wood fire was used to heat the irons, but a gas burner is quicker and easier to handle. There are various makes on the market whereby irons and burner form a branding kit.
   

3. A copious supply of iced water and a suitable bottle in which to put it to apply to each burn.
   

4. A wound aerosol or similar medication with a fly repellant in it.
   

5. A sturdy crush that can hold at least ten animals at a time with enough space on either side from which to work.

1. Start the gas burner and place the irons in the heat.
   

2. Put the animals due to be branded into the crush, tightly packed and with their tails towards the same side.
   

3. Be absolutely clear as to what brand goes onto a particular animal. If it is the registered brand belonging to the herd, which in any event would be three letters, the first letter will be used and while it is being re-heated, the second letter can be applied etc. Confusion can arise where different numbers are used. It may be useful to paint all the animals on their backs or shoulders before starting to brand. The hot branding iron is applied to the skin for two or three seconds, depending on the strength of the person applying the iron.
   

4. As soon as the iron is removed from the skin, ice cold water should be sprayed or poured onto the burn to stop it from continuing to burn deeper into the flesh.
   

5. When all the animals in the crush have been branded, they should all have their burns liberally sprayed with wound aerosol do deter flies and help healing.

1. Hot-iron branding destroys the skin and hence detracts from the value of the hide.
   

2. For this reason it is tempting to brand lower down the leg or even on the cheek.
   

3. The comfort of the animal should have consideration so brand where there will be least pain when moving or lying down e.g. high up on the hind leg.
   

4. On our borders animals are required to be branded with a three-legged pot brand to indicate they are South African owned. It has been legislated this brand must be applied to the cheek. This will inhibit eating due to the pain of chewing with a burnt cheek. Bare this in mind if you live near the border.

This is a kinder way to brand or mark an animal but is not entirely painless. However, it requires more skill and practise to perfect.

1. Branding irons of a copper-based alloy.
   

2. Dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
   

3. A razor or shearing machine.
   

4. Methylated spirits.
   

5. A strong sturdy crush to hold about ten animals.

Plan of action:

1. Place the branding irons in the liquid nitrogen or on the dry-ice to ensure they are very, very cold. An old polystyrene cooler box serves as a very convenient container.
   

2. Put the animals in the crush, tightly packed and with their tails all to one side.
   

3. Shave the area on which the branding is to be done.
   

4. Soak the area with methylated spirits and immediately apply the freezing branding iron to the spot, holding it there for 21 seconds, maintaining an even and firm pressure.
   

5. When the iron is removed there should be a deep indentation in the skin, but the actual brand or loss of pigment in the skin will not be detectable for about a month.

1. The animal will find the freezing iron very uncomfortable and will try to move away.
   

2. f the iron should move before the 21 seconds have elapsed, it is nearly impossible to tell where it was; i.o.w. the iron must be held very steadily and firmly in place for the full duration.
   

3. For these two reasons it is most important that the animals are properly and very tightly packed into the crush.

_________________________

Further Information:

Iona B Stewart

Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg
3200

Telephone:  (033) 3559 254 / 267
Facsimile:  (033) 3559 264

E-Mail:  stewarti@dae.kzntl.gov.za