Kramer
Member
Question regarding branding cattle; i.e. adult cattle and calves.
I have never actually branded a cow or calf. However, I do want all of my cattle branded, in addition to the numbered ear I.D. tags that I utilize for I.D. and recordkeeping purposes. Presently, my Mother Cows and Bull are branded. There seems to never be an end of cattle being stole and there seems to be even more stealing going on now. Price of beef, I guess. Anyway, I intend to start branding this year with my new crop of calves. Had a Vet previously brand for me, but the results are not too good. I have just purchased what appears to be a very good 110 VAC brander, with my registered cattle brand. It is a two letter (4" tall letters) brand made by RAMM Manufacturing. Tried it out on some wood boards and it seems to really do a good job.
My question is in regards to the actual branding. Branding a wood board vs. the skin of an animal, surely has some differences. Could of some you experienced individuals offer some advice, with regards to the "do's and do nots". Assuming you have the brand hot enough, how long do you hold it on the animal? How much pressure do you apply, if that is relative? Is there a specific coloring you look for of the branded skin to insure a good brand? I will be putting the brand on the left thigh if, it makes a difference in your advice. Etc., etc., etc.
Thanks in advance!
I have never actually branded a cow or calf. However, I do want all of my cattle branded, in addition to the numbered ear I.D. tags that I utilize for I.D. and recordkeeping purposes. Presently, my Mother Cows and Bull are branded. There seems to never be an end of cattle being stole and there seems to be even more stealing going on now. Price of beef, I guess. Anyway, I intend to start branding this year with my new crop of calves. Had a Vet previously brand for me, but the results are not too good. I have just purchased what appears to be a very good 110 VAC brander, with my registered cattle brand. It is a two letter (4" tall letters) brand made by RAMM Manufacturing. Tried it out on some wood boards and it seems to really do a good job.
My question is in regards to the actual branding. Branding a wood board vs. the skin of an animal, surely has some differences. Could of some you experienced individuals offer some advice, with regards to the "do's and do nots". Assuming you have the brand hot enough, how long do you hold it on the animal? How much pressure do you apply, if that is relative? Is there a specific coloring you look for of the branded skin to insure a good brand? I will be putting the brand on the left thigh if, it makes a difference in your advice. Etc., etc., etc.
Thanks in advance!