Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

What method of animal identification uses very low temperature to change the pigment color of the skin?

1. Hot brand

2. Freeze brand

3. Tagging

4. Microchip

The correct answer is: Freeze brand

The method of animal identification that uses very low temperature to change the pigment color of the skin is freeze branding. This technique involves applying a metal brand that has been cooled to an extremely low temperature, typically using liquid nitrogen or dry ice. When the freeze brand is pressed against the skin, the cold temperature destroys the pigment cells in that area. As a result, the hair that grows back in the branded area becomes white or lighter in color compared to the surrounding coat. This creates a visible mark that can be used for identification purposes. Freeze branding is often favored over hot branding because it is less painful for the animal and results in a more permanent and visible mark. In contrast, hot branding uses heat to damage the skin, which can be more painful and is associated with a greater risk of injury to the animal. Tagging and microchipping are alternative identification methods but do not involve altering skin pigmentation; tagging involves physical tags typically placed in the ear, while microchipping involves implanting a small chip under the skin for electronic identification.