Managing Livestock: Identification Adv Animal Science Sources: Oklahoma State University Extension Duncan Emrich
Managing Livestock:Identification
Adv Animal Science
Sources:Oklahoma State University Extension
Duncan Emrich
Ear Tags
• Identification Systems• Bangs Vaccinated Tags– Verification of vaccination for brucellosis
Branding
Many types of branding• Hot iron branding– Fire/iron– Electrical
• Freeze branding• Paint branding
Branding
Why branding?• Permanent marking system to identify
ownership• Allowed cattle to be
sorted out if they became mixed up (open range, etc)
Branding
History• 4,000 year old art shows Egyptians branding• Brought to US by Spaniards in 1600’s• Brand registration
began in 1870’s• Mavericks
Branding
• Which type is better?– Freeze causes least damage and is permanent, but
doesn’t work on white cattle– Hot iron is permanent but can damage hide, hurt
animal– Paint is not permanent
Branding
• Placement - Cattle– Shoulder– Rib– Hip– Left or Right
• Other species– Horses: jaw and above– Sheep: jaw or nose
Branding
• Key to Brand Design– Easy to read– Simple has best results– Connection to ranch/business/etc