Hot Iron Branding The Most Practical Method for Branding
A good hot brand is recognizable because it destroys hair follicles located under several layers of skin and
leaves a permanent bald scar on the hide of the animal. A simple brand design is encouraged as it will cause
less stress to the animal and be easier to clarify. The secret to successful hot branding is destroying hair follicles
without burning through the hide. By following these simple steps, it is possible to put on a brand that will give a
permanent means of identification and cause very little discomfort to the animal. Remember, it is only when you
burn through the hide that severe pain and stress occur.
(1) The animal must be restrained in such a manner that it cannot move. For calves, use a branding table, suitable
size of squeeze or manual wrestling.
(2) For older cattle, squeeze with adequate opening in the area where brand is to be applied.
(3) Check your iron for temperature. A black iron is too cold, A red iron is too hot, An iron that is the
color of Gray ashes is the proper temperature and will produce a good brand.
(4) Using the ash-Gray colored iron and not exerting excessive pressure, will allow the iron to do the branding.
Roll the iron with the shape of the animal's body and try to put the same pressure at all points of iron contact.
(5) A proper brand should be the color of saddle brown leather when the iron is removed. The time required
to produce this saddle brown color should only take three to five seconds.
(6) Keep your iron free of scale and burnt hair. Using a wire brush to clean the iron works well.
(7) Do not let the Branding Iron slip or slide during branding. Always wear heavy gloves.
(8) Do not brand wet animals as moisture will transfers heat over a large area. This will result in an unreadable,
blotched brand. Branding wet animals will also cause scalding, which is slow to heal.
(9) Animals with heavy winter hair coats should be clipped before branding. Excess hair may also be removed
by applying the iron softly and wiping away burned hair with your glove. Insure the iron is free of burnt hair then
continue to apply the brand.
Our Materials for Hot Branding Irons, are made with Steel the most suitable material for Branding Irons.
CARE OF YOUR IRON
Your branding iron is made of steel and should prove very durable. However, from time to time, it will
rust or get dirty. To clean, rub lightly with steel wool, wire brush, or piece of sandpaper. Be sure to dry
iron thoroughly after cleaning to prevent further rusting. If you are going to store the iron for some time,
a few drops of oil or a light coating with a cooking oil spray may be spread over the iron to provide a
good protective coat. The oil will be completely burned off when next used.