Permanent identification branding in cattle causes pain, and freeze branding provides a welfare-improved alternative to traditional hot iron branding.
Hot iron branding causes severe acute pain through deliberate full-thickness skin burning, representing one of the most painful routine management procedures applied to cattle. Freeze branding causes significantly less acute pain and is considered a welfare improvement when branding is necessary. However, electronic identification through microchips, boluses, and certified ear tags provides equally reliable permanent identification without any burning. The welfare case for transitioning from iron branding to electronic identification is strong and well-supported by evidence.