Branding Cattle with Liquid Nitrogen 2021

We are trying something new this year with freeze branding. Due to our suppliers not being able to get dry ice, we are going to use liquid nitrogen to brand cattle. We are hesitant because we hadn't perfected our method using dry ice yet, so we really didn't want to have to start the learning process over again using a whole new method... but we decided to give it a try since we need to get this task checked off the to-do list.
In this vlog post, we're going to take you through the process of freeze branding cattle. Freeze branding is a method of permanently marking cattle using a very cold branding iron. This method is considered more humane than hot branding because it doesn't burn the animal's skin.
First, we'll show you how to prepare the branding iron by freezing it to a temperature of minus 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, we'll demonstrate how to properly apply the branding iron to the animal's hide, making sure to hold it in place for the appropriate amount of time.
Freeze branding is a useful tool for identifying and tracking individual animals in a herd, and it's a common practice in the cattle industry. It's a method that can be done with minimal stress to the animal, and it provides a permanent and legible identification for the animal.
**6 month update in video titled "Water Leak Fixed" at the 4 min. 30 second mark... hair regrowth is still not complete... I'll continue to update on results and post references to the segments here.

[@WynandBurger-d5b]

A follow up should be nice. I'd like to see the matured brands on the cattle.

[@snailsth102]

I love her country accent!

[@joesalazar770]

I would live to see a video follow up after shed out when the new unpigmented hair comes in i been doing this with dry is as well as going to the liquid nitrogen i still cannot get a consistant good looking finished brand the first one i did turned out fabulious the rest been spotty and ok but not hoe it should be and calvex have to have a brand to take to the sale barn ive acaully given up branding if these cattle are going private treaty. And the hot brand takes about a solid pysh and thats it its readable for life and im sure it does stress the animal it stresses me the cattle are easily stressed i been in rancheing ten generations. And im only a small producer had a sci in 2013 but managed to get out of a wheel chair in about five years the cattle keep me going there are no sick fays for sure they have to be fed daily sometimes more any tips we should get togather and talk more great video put togather some rock solid ways to freeze brand i defanatly like it over hot brands. Colorado is a good environment at least cool nights after hot brands but still the less stress the better for the animal. They deserve as good a life as possible. They areaking the ultimate sacrifice for us. 🤠👌

[@williamwimer2074]

Loved the video... You do good job of it. Always thought of doing it on herd. Especially if I'd start a cow herd from heifers..

[@thecattlemanswife]

We've got some heifers that need branding right now.

[@williamwimer2074]

@@thecattlemanswife I'd come and help you out if I were all settled in there.

[@WynandBurger-d5b]

Good video with beautiful music. What is the cost aspect for nitrogen versus dry ice?

[@thecattlemanswife]

It's been awhile since we bought nitrogen but it was cheaper than dry ice. Another expense to consider is the tank that you need to store it, best I remember the tanks are around $400.

[@doogiessomethingaboutnothi3518]

Good looking skid steer

[@thecattlemanswife]

Thanks, we like it.

[@RT-qk1lv]

Hello, you mentioned you thought you liked the dry ice better at one point, but you would evaluate results later. What is your opinion now? I was curious. Or do you have a 2nd part to this video? Thanks!

[@thecattlemanswife]

I've shown a few shots of the brands from this group of heifers. They have a visible brand but it's not completely white. I feel that the liquid nitrogen was much colder than dry ice and we damaged the hair follicle too much for it to grow back leaving a bald brand or in some cases bet faint. So if using liquid nitrogen, I would lower the time that the iron is applied and use gentle pressure to hold it in place.

[@thecattlemanswife]

Go watch my video "water leak fixed". At the 4 min 30 sec mark, I show one of those heifers. The hair still isn't fully grown back.

[@philmccoy2808]

What size branding irons are being used? Do you brand cows and heifers/calves with small size iron?

[@thecattlemanswife]

I apologize for the delayed reply but I can't find the branding irons to answer your question with certainty but I believe that they are 3 inch. The size was just my preference.

[@willisfarms9152]

I REALLY wanted to watch this video but I just couldn't do it anymore with that annoying classical music in the background. Turned off the sound but then missed what was being said. Frustrating

[@thecattlemanswife]

Tom, I listen to classical music when I edit my videos or do work around the house...I like it but it's not for everyone. I'll upload it without the music and post a link in the comment section here for you. It will take a couple of days due to rural internet speed but I really want you to watch this video too. If you decide to try this branding method, let me know how it works out for you.

[@thecattlemanswife]

As promised, here is the link to the branding video without any music. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zoe8kKuVedxmq80

[@willisfarms9152]

@@thecattlemanswife Thank you.. The video was amazing

[@securenc1]

@@willisfarms9152 Agree 100% great video without the classical music.

[@lolabowling1509]

They have tattoos lol

[@thecattlemanswife]

Yep, when the hair starts to grow back we should be able to see white numbers.

[@shonniea9499]

What do the numbers represent

[@thecattlemanswife]

@@shonniea9499 the first number is the last digit of the year they were born. The last two numbers are from their ear tag. It helps us keep track of each animal and their age.