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south western Ontario | We just freeze branded a bunch of cows about a month ago . Aug 02 2007 actually . We used dry ice as the coolant . First clipped hair off with surgical clippers , the closer to the skin the better , then washed with 99 % alcohol . Just before applying branding iron to hide we sprayed area where brand was to be applied with 99 % alcohol then applied brand . Brand was applied for 70 seconds before removal . Alcohol is mixed with dry ice in styrofoam container to hold irons . Alcohol on hide helps to transmitt cold from iron to hide . To use liquid nitrogen would require different cooling times for the irons and a shorter time for the hide application . We figured use the best product for the job , hopefully you only do this once . So far our brands are coming thru as expected . About 98 % look like they will be sucessful , only have to redo about 2 % .( we hope ) Dry ice around here was more expensive , but sucess rate using liquid nitrogen has been poorer for us . ( stick with something that works for you right ? )
Don ' t know if this answers your questions or not , good luck .
Paul
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