Does freeze branding hurt horses?

In the past few years freeze (cryogenic) branding has become extremely popular because it is safe, economical and simple to do. Freeze branding can be done on horses of any age. It appears to be relatively painless and does not scar or damage the horse’s hide.

Will a freeze brand show up on a white horse?

The hair that grows back where the brand was applied has no pigment, resulting in a white brand. Therefore, when freeze branding a gray or white horse, the brand must be kept on longer to give the appearance of a hot brand.

When should you freeze brand horses?

Branding can be done at any time of the year, but horses that are branded about the time the new hair coat is starting seem to have brands that come in sooner. If brands are held on for too long of a time period, the cold temperature will destroy the growth follicle of the hair.

How long does freeze branding last?

The area will be temporarily inflamed but will heal within a few days. The hair falls out, and after two to three months hair will be fully regrown, without pigment. The hair will continue to grow white from that point onward, so this is still permanent for animals that shed their coats.

Is freeze branding permanent?

Freeze branding can be a relatively painless and very effective form of permanent animal and herd identification.

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

Usually, the top layer of skin will shed in about one month following branding. If branding times were calibrated to allow for subsequent hair growth, the white hair should come in about two months. The white hair brand should be complete within three months post branding (Photograph 8).

What are the pros and cons of freeze branding?

Freeze Branding Cattle

Table 1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Freeze burning
Advantages Disadvantages
Relatively painless Time required to brand
Reduced hide damage More expensive than fire branding
No blotching Results may vary; does not work as well on cattle with light-colored hair.

How long do you leave a freeze brand on?

If branding times were calibrated to allow for subsequent hair growth, the white hair should come in about two months. The white hair brand should be complete within three months post branding (Photograph 8). If no hair returns, the branding time was too long.