We needed to Freeze Brand all the newer cows we have added to the Ranch. Since we got a downpour the day before and the Farmer couldn't work in the fields we knew to day would be the day. First things first is to round up all the cows and out them into the working pens. The Farmer set up panels and lured them in with feed while Maci and I hurried and closed the gates. Then we had to sort out the old from the new and release the old. Once sorted we loaded them into the trailer {making several trips because they wouldn't all fit} and brought them up from their pasture to the barn where the working pens and squeeze shoot were located.
While they were up here we also needed to Vaccinate and worm them. I played nurse and the Farmer was the Vet while Maci was our VetTech HaHa
Step 1. Cool irons for 20 minutes before using them on the first animal. The alcohol or liquid nitrogen should cover the head of iron by at least one inch. Bubbling or boiling of the alcohol should have stopped or be minimal prior to applying the irons. Note: the frost line on handles of the irons indicates irons are ready. Re-cool irons for 2 minutes between each use.
Step 2. Restrain the animal in a headgate and squeeze chute (preferred). Clip the hair from the area to be branded. Standard cattle clippers work well; close clipping is best. On the hip between the hook and pin bones is the preferred location for freeze brands. Brush the clipped area to remove dirt and loose hair.
Step 3. Saturate the branding area with alcohol. You may need a brush to work the alcohol all the way to the skin.
Step 4. Immediately apply the freeze-branding iron on the animal. The iron must move directly from the coolant to the animal. Apply very firm pressure to the iron. Hold the iron on the area and don't let it slip. The area will quickly become numb and the animal will experience minimal discomfort. Rocking the iron gently from top to bottom and side to side will make a better brand. Have an assistant keep track of time so the branding irons are in place for the desired length of time. The application of only one iron at a time is recommended.
Step 5. Remove the iron from the animal and immediately place the iron in the coolant for re-cooling. Remember, it takes about 2 minutes to re-cool the iron to proper temperature before applying the same iron again.
A good brand will show up as an indented number on the animal immediately after branding. Within a few minutes, the area will swell creating a raised version of the brand.
The swelling will subside in a few hours. In two to four weeks the area will begin to peel. This is normal and unpigmented hair will grow back in its place
When branding is done correctly, freeze brands will last the life of the animal. On animals with heavy winter coats, the brand may have to be clipped for easier reading. A quality branding job makes identification of animals for estrous detection or health treatment quick, easy, and accurate.
Now here we go...Maci sending them down to the shoot so we could worm and vaccinate them.
Rhett working the shoot gate
Farmer getting his Freeze Brand on.
I did work too... I took pictures, shaved the cows, and drew up shots.
Now that is all in a days work and I mean a whole entire day.
