Combat livestock theft WITH BRANDING

May 2025

BRANDING LIVESTOCK HAS BEEN AN ESSENTIAL PRACTICE IN THE WORLD FOR OVER 6 000 YEARS, SERVING AS A MEANS OF IDENTIFYING AND TRACKING LIVESTOCK. IN SOUTH AFRICA, WHERE LIVESTOCK THEFT IS A PERSISTENT CHALLENGE, BRANDING REMAINS A KEY TOOL IN PROTECTING FARMERS FROM SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL LOSSES.

Greg Talbot, chief executive officer of Tal-Tec, discusses the ethical implications of livestock branding in his latest article, The ethics of branding: A critical tool for security, traceability and animal welfare. This article addresses the balance between security, traceability and animal welfare concerns, particularly as new technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are introduced. Talbot delves into the effectiveness of hot and freeze branding, evaluating both their impact on animals and their practical benefits for farmers.
 
THE IMPORTANCE OF BRANDING
Livestock theft in South Africa is a growing concern, costing farmers an estimated R1,4 billion annually. This criminal activity threatens farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and North West.

In response, the South African government implemented the Animal Identification Act in 2002, requiring livestock owners to register animal identification marks. This process includes branding, freeze branding, tattooing and tagging. Livestock owners should also register their identification mark with the Department of Agriculture (DoA).

The National Stock Theft Prevention Forum acknowledges that investigating stock theft cases is difficult due to a lack of evidence and limited police capacity. The chairman, Louis Wessels, stresses that farmers who do not brand or tattoo their animals exacerbate the problem. Certain provinces are implementing additional measures such as district-specific branding marks and private security partnerships to combat the rising cases of livestock theft.

BRANDING
Hot iron versus freeze branding
Hot iron branding, the most commonly used method in South Africa, is a quick process that takes only four to five seconds. It is highly effective, providing a permanent mark that makes stolen livestock easy to identify. Despite concerns over animal welfare, studies indicate that cattle do not exhibit prolonged distress from branding. The most traumatic aspect for the animal is being restrained rather than the branding itself. Cattle have thick hides, unlike humans or pigs, and once branded, they typically move on without discomfort.

Freeze branding, on the other hand, uses extreme cold to kill the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles, resulting in a white mark once the hair regrows. This method is particularly popular among stud and dairy farmers, as it is aesthetically pleasing against darker hides. While considered more humane, freeze branding requires shaving the animal’s skin before application. It is generally more expensive and time-consuming than hot branding, especially when using liquid nitrogen instead of dry ice.

Alternative animal identification methods
Alternative identification methods, such as radio-frequency ear tags (RFID), are gaining global traction. These tags store critical data about the animal, including lineage, health records and farm of origin. South Africa’s Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS-SA) was introduced in 2017 to enhance traceability and compliance with international trade standards. However, adoption by commercial farmers has been slow due to cost concerns and limited trust in government implementation.

A PRACTICAL AND ETHICAL APPROACH TO LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION
While branding remains a topic of debate, its role in livestock security cannot be ignored. In South Africa, where cattle rustlers can drive herds 10 km to 20 km overnight, a lack of identification makes stolen livestock almost impossible to recover.

Farmers rely on branding, databases and community watch initiatives to mitigate these risks. Additionally, law enforcement, though under-resourced, has a forensic unit dedicated to identifying and returning stolen livestock.

Tagging, particularly RFID, offers significant benefits in traceability. These tags help manage livestock and ensure food safety and quality control, especially for premium markets requiring organic certification. Ear tags provide detailed animal histories, from birth to slaughter, reinforcing the integrity of the supply chain.

CONCLUSION
Given the magnitude of livestock theft in South Africa, animal identification is essential. While technological advancements provide new solutions, branding remains a practical, effective and widely used method. As debates continue, finding a balance between security, traceability and animal welfare is crucial. When done correctly and responsibly, branding plays an indispensable role in ensuring the protection of farmers and their livelihoods.

Publication: May 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: TAL-TEC PRESS RELEASE