Answers appear on page two of livestock brands. The first step in protecting your livestock is choosing a good brand. Choose a brand that is distinctive and readily recognized. Your state's brand inspector's office will help you to select a brand that has your desired qualities within the limits imposed by current brand laws. Be sure to record your chosen brand in your state's brand inspection office.
Unrecorded brands offer little or no protection and add confusion.
When selling animals you should protect yourself and others by insisting that the buyer takes a complete, properly filled out bill of sale. Also require a bill of sale when you buy livestock. On animals with more than one brand, be prepared to offer proof of purchase. If you transfer ownership of a registered brand, the state involved will usually provide a bill of sale for that purpose if you request it. Apply the brand properly.