Compare and contrast hot and freeze branding.

Hot and freeze brands provide a permanent, visible means of identifying an animal. The exact
location for brand placement must be confirmed with both branding methods. Common brand
locations include shoulder, hip, or rib. Hot and cold branding differ in the following areas:
 Brand iron composition: Branding irons used for hot branding are made from iron or steel.
Those used in freeze branding are composed of copper or bronze.
 Heat/cold source: Hot irons are heated using propane, open fire, or electricity (electric
iron). Freeze brands are chilled using liquid nitrogen or an alcohol and water mixture.
 Brand appearance: Freeze brands are much easier to visualize on dark coated animals.
 In comparison to hot branding, freeze branding causes minimal damage to the hide and is
less painful.