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Source: https://dryice.co.za/4-farming/
Title: Dry Ice For Cattle Branding 🎖️ | Dry Ice E-Brochure (2025)
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Dry Ice 4 Farming - freeze iron branding 

Download PDF brochure 

Freeze branding manual 

Dry ice can be used for freeze branding cattle and horses . To find out more about cattle branding, get in touch with our team, or read the frequently asked questions and answers below. 

Freeze Branding - Frequently Asked Questions 

How much dry ice do I need for freeze branding? 

We recommend 40 kg dry ice per 100 cattle and 40 L of methylated spirits, which can be drained and used again. 

How long do you leave a freeze brand iron on cattle? 

Time specified for freeze-branding is 45 seconds per head of cattle. 

Does freeze-branding hurt? 

Freeze-branding is less painful compared to hot-iron branding. 

Is freeze-branding permanent? 

Freeze-branding is considered as the method of choice by many registered stud breeders and commercial producers alike. Cattle branding with dry ice will leave permanent, highly visible brands which can be seen at much greater distances than ear tags or many hot-iron brands. 

How long does it take for a freeze brand to show up? 

Freeze-branding takes between 5 to 10 minutes per head of cattle. You will see a clear in print of the brand on the skin. The branded area will swell producing a welt in an outline of the brand. In 2 to 3 weeks, the brand will form a scab and peel. The permanent branded area will be visible in 30 to 45 days after branding. 

How much does it cost to freeze-brand cattle? 

Costs depends on the total number of cattle which needs to be branded. For more information on costing, please contact Dry Ice International for a quotation. 

How does freeze-branding work? 

Freeze-branding kills the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicle. As a result, the regrowth of white hair takes place where the branding iron was applied. 

How is freeze-branding done? 

Freeze-branding is done with special copper or bronze branding iron. For more information or a step by step guide, download our Dry Ice 4 Farming  brochure – visit our website www.dryice.co.za 

On which colour cattle does freeze-branding have the best results? 

Freeze-branding works best on black, dark brown or brown animals. However, lighter coloured cattle can also be freeze-branded, when the exposure time during branding is increased to 60 seconds. You can also use our products for horse branding. 

Can lighter coloured cattle be freeze-branded? 

Yes, satisfactory results on lighter coloured animals may be achieved by increasing the exposure time to 60 seconds, which will completely kill the hair follicle. This will result in a dark branding. 

Which material is needed for freeze-branding? 

Freeze-branding irons: the irons are made of heavy copper or bronze with slightly rounded faces, which should be 8 to 10 cm in size and 2.5 cm thick. 

For pricing on freeze-branding irons, please contact your nearest farming outlet or Co-op. 

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What coolant must be used? 

Methylated spirits is the most commonly used coolant. You will require additional coolant in order to wet the animals’ skin prior to branding. 

What type of container do I need to use? 

The container should be resistant to extreme cold. A polystyrene or plastic container makes for a good branding cooler. Dry Ice International has the perfect 20 kg polystyrene container for freeze-branding. 

What type of clippers do I need? 

Standard cattle clippers work well. If the cattle are particularly dirty, you may need to start with sheep heads on the clippers and reclip with cattle heads. 

You will need a brush and plastic squeeze bottle: 

A stiff brush will remove the dirt and dander from the clipped area. A squeeze bottle is a handy way to squirt methylated spirits onto the clipped area. 

Safety clothes - gloves and safety goggles: 

Winter gloves insulate your hands when handling the cooled irons. The handles will become cold enough to cause frostbite. Safety goggles will protect your eyes from splash and fine shaven animal hair. 

You may also need a chute and head gate: 

A good chute with side access along with a strong head gate is needed. A squeeze chute is strongly recommended to minimise animal movement during branding. Alternatively, you can use an immobiliser. 

What other factors must I consider? 

In general, younger cattle and breeds with thinner hides, i.e. Brahman breeds require less time for a good brand, while older animals and breeds with thicker hides, i.e. Hereford require longer exposure time. 

Supplies needed: 

For a full list, visit our website for more information. 

Freeze-branding irons, preferable 2 x sets 

Methylated spirits and spray bottle 

Dry ice 

Straight edge clippers, oil, curry comb, bristle brush and livestock blower 

Large heavy-duty cooler with cover 

Leather gloves 

Extension cords 

Kitchen timer or clock with second hand 

Plan Ahead: 

Assign : determine the number of heads that will be freeze-branded – assign individual ID numbers to each animal to eliminate duplication. 

Order:  order sufficient dry ice and methylated spirits for the number of animals you have to brand in one day. Dry ice will last longer in cool and calm vs. warm and breezy climatic conditions, therefore order accordingly, depending on the time of year. 

Where : as per government regulations. 

When : select a low stress time to freeze-brand. Replacement heifers are an easy group to start with each year, prior to their first breeding season. Cows can be branded prior to pasture turn-out at calf processing, if required. 

Procedure: 

For a step by step procedure, visit our website and download the Freeze- Branding Manual – www.dryice.co.za 

What are the advantages of Freeze-branding? 

Minimal trauma induced and pain experienced by the animal 

No blotching 

Freeze-branding is ideal for dairy cows 

Freeze-branding can be done on in-calf cows (pregnant cows) 

No infection due to broken or damaged skin 

Vries brand is ‘n bekostigbare en veilige diere brandmerk alternatief. Dit word dikwel gebruik vir die brandmerk van perde, beeste en ander vee. Vir ‘n gratis kwotasie of meer inligting oor die brandmerk van diere met ons produkte, skakel ons gerus. 

We can deliver dry ice all over the country thanks to our network of retail depots in most provinces. Find a retail store near you on our Store locator page. 

We deliver to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Soweto, Bloemfontein, East London, Sandton, Midrand, Middelburg, Witbank, Nelspruit, Upington, Kimberley, Rustenburg, Potchefstroom and Polokwane 

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We have a range of dry ice blasters available for sale. We can also service and repair your blaster. 

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About Us 

Dry Ice International has been recognised as the leader in dry ice manufacturing, distribution and dry ice blast cleaning in South Africa, as well as other parts of Africa since 1994. 

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Contact Us 

012 810 0500 

info@dryice.co.za 

259 Vonkprop Street, Silverton, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa 

24 Hour Emergency numbers 

Gauteng 

083 375 6627 

Kwazulu Natal 

031 569 6209 

Western Cape 

083 243 6483 

Eastern Cape 

083 243 6483 

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