Branding Cattle – A Mandatory Requirement

Under current Northern Territory (NT) legislation, all cattle MUST be branded before being moved off a property or sold, unless they are less than eight months of age. To legally use a brand in the NT, it must be registered in the NT and comply with the  Livestock Act (2008) and Livestock Regulations (2009).

Branding is a clear way of identifying ownership of stock. Although not legally required, it is recommended that purchased cattle are cross branded correctly to provide evidence of ownership.

The first brand must be applied in the position specified on the certificate of registration. Subsequent brands can be applied on the near or off side of the shoulder, rump, hip or thigh. According to the Livestock Regulations, it is an offence to apply a brand that is not clear, legible and permanent.

A brand is registered to a person or company for use on a nominated property. This means only the registered owner or their representative can use the branding iron on the registered property. Note: Brands can be registered for use on horses and buffalo, however they are not required for movement in the NT.

Branding tips

1. Brands MUST be applied so they are clear, legible and permanent to the livestock.
2. When using hot iron branding,
   1. Do not overheat the iron. Red-hot irons can ignite the hair, causing blemishes on the brand.
   2. Do not use an iron that is too cool. Cool irons are held on for too long, cooking the total area leaving an unreadable brand.
   3. Do not brand when the hide is wet. Wet-branding results in scalding.
   4. Replace worn, thin-edged branding irons, as these can burn too deeply, causing crusting or blotching and can make the brand too fine to read easily.
3. Freeze branding is an alternative method to hot iron branding.
4. Restrain stock securely for branding. A squeeze crush is ideal for hard-to-handle adult stock.
5. To ensure clear visibility for livestock inspectors at saleyards or authorised officers, shave the hair or wet around the branding areas.

More information

For more information on livestock brand and identity, visit:

https://nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture/livestock-and-animals/brand-and-identify-livestock

For more information on best practice husbandry in beef cattle, visit: https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/research-and-development/program-areas/animal-health-welfare-and-biosecurity/mla-guide-to-best-practice-husbandry-in-beef-cattle_final.pdf

To contact the livestock biosecurity team, visit: https://nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture/livestock-and-animals/livestock-biosecurity-fees-contacts/contacts