www.landhbrandingirons.com

In the west, some states determine ownership by the brand on an animal. Makes no diff who has possession, or where the animal is, it belongs to the owner of its brand. Brands are registered with the state.

 Freeze branding is best done at about 12 to 14 months of age. ( I think ) Older black cows will not always have the hair grow back white in color.  I've done older cows, with some success. Even if the hair grows back black, it can still be read, especially in the summer, when the hair is short. In the spring during calving, not so easy. I think the L and H site has some good reading on the "how to" of freeze branding.