Freeze Branding Iron Design Guidelines - Updated 2025

Freeze branding is a humane and effective method for permanent livestock identification. Designing the branding iron properly is crucial to ensure legibility and effectiveness. Below are recommendations for freeze brand design, including size and stroke width for various animals.

General Design Considerations

1. Material: Branding irons are typically made of brass  due to their excellent temperature retention properties. 

2. Shape: Ensure designs have rounded corners to prevent excessive skin damage.

3. Thickness: The face of the branding surface should be between about 1/4 inch thick for optimal results. 

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We at LW Custom Works can assist you in designing your freeze brand. We offer complimentary conversion of your hand-drawn design into vector art, which is then used to create your custom freeze branding iron.

CONTACT US for a quote! 

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Recommended Sizes

Different animals require different branding iron dimensions based on their size and hide thickness:

Cattle

• Adult Cattle: Branding characters should be 3 to 4 inches high and 2½ inches wide. Stroke width should be approximately 3/16 to 1/4 inch

• Weanlings: Use smaller irons, around 2½-3 inches high, to avoid oversized brands as the animal grows. 

Horses

• Adult Horses: Recommended brand size is 4 inches high and 2½ inches wide, with a stroke width of 3/16 inch to 1/4 inch. 

• Weanlings: Use smaller brands, around 3 inches high, to ensure proportionality as the horse matures. 

Other Livestock

For smaller animals like goats or sheep:

• Branding characters should be around 2 inches high and 1½ inches wide with a stroke width of approximately 1/8 inch. 

Placement Recommendations

• Choose areas with minimal movement and thicker hide, such as the shoulder or rump. 

• Avoid branding in rainy, windy, or humid conditions for better results. 

Additional Notes

• Branding iron cooling methods include liquid nitrogen (-344°F) or dry ice with alcohol (-112°F). Dry ice and alcohol are preferred for longer-lasting cold temperatures. 

• Branding duration varies by animal type and hide color:

  • Dark hides: Apply branding iron for about 45–50 seconds.

  • Light hides (bald brands): Extend application time to 75–90 seconds. 

Proper design and application techniques ensure clear, legible brands that minimise discomfort to the animal while maintaining long-term identification.

Contact us to request for a quote or complimentary design for your freeze brand! 

Freeze Brand Design Templates