I've seen it happen in showmanship. It wasnt anounced over the microphone or anything. I was standing right next to the girl,and the judge told her that it wasn't very showy.
I know that I have never heard a judge comment that that would be the reason that heifer A placed below heifer B, but you never know what goes on in a judges mind...
Personally, I think that it would be wrong for a judge to make a decision based on if the heifer is branded or not. In showmanship or regular judging. It's that person's way of identification. But thats me, and I am by no means a judge.
We dont get very many people that brand around here- I can only think of the one locally, and one more at state fair. (but then again, I dont really look for it either)