Oklahoma has passed a law legalizing freeze branding for ownership and identification of cattle. This fact sheet includes the present procedures suggested for freeze branding based on experimental work. Freeze brands may be used for production testing identification. Brass, steel and aluminum branding irons have been used with less success. However, if more than one number is used on a brand, the 4-inch size is most often preferred.
Freeze branding irons of various sizes are available in equipment and supply catalogues and stores.
Several cooling solutions can be used with success. When humid conditions exist or when using the same cooling solutions for several hours, alcohol loses its cooling capabilities because of taking up moisture from the air. The most practical coolant seems to be dry ice in gasoline. Gasoline does not take on water from the air and will maintain its cold temperature. It can be used for a half day and still retain a very cold temperature.