HAULING HORSES?

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Branding with hot irons evolved from convenience and practicality. We brand our new calves each spring. While it is true that the calves bawl momentarily when a hot iron is applied, they do not seem to be in pain once turned loose. Remember, cattle hide is several millimeters thick compared with our skin. Also, the number of nerve-endings is far fewer per square centimeter than in most other animals. A correctly applied brand leaves a smooth, hairless scar. If the iron is applied too cold or too quickly, blisters form. Blisters can form open wounds leading to avenues for infection and discomfort. If they arise, the hot iron should be superimposed and reapplied to the area. Actually, once the initial brand is laid second applications do not seem to cause discomfort. A correctly applied brand really is no more painful than a vaccination or an ear tag.

Branding is really only necessary for those who run large herds of cattle, where the possibility of theft or mixing with other herds exists. In fact, brand inspection laws are really only enforced in a few western states. In those states even cattle not branded may receive a brand inspection to be sold or transported. The decision to brand or not to brand is in the hands of the owner. If you only have a few head of cattle, it may be unnecessary-as well as impractical-to brand. For those who have many animals or those who graze them with others, hot-iron branding is still the most practical and legal means of marking cattle.

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