EVALUATION OF A COMMERCIAL STENCIL AEROSOL - COOLANT TECHNIQUE FOR FREEZE BRANDING HORSES

A study was conducted to evaluate a commercial stencil/aerosol-coolant freeze branding technique for horses. Forty five (45) mares were bran ded with one of five treatments to determine which combination of pre- treatment application of alcohol on the brand site, number of coolant spray applications or drying methods produced the most acceptable bran ds. Reactions indicative of pain were quantitated for all treatments. Kit equipment and recommended procedures were evaluated. Non-alcohol p re-treated digits tended to be more acceptable than alcohol pretreated digits (P<.08). Three spray applications produced more acceptable bra nds than one or two spray applications (P<.0001). Forced air drying di d not affect the number of acceptable brands when compared to passive air drying. The mares' behavioral reactions were not affected by pretr eatment (P>.20), number of applications (P>.10) or drying method (P>.1 2). The stencil/aerosol-coolant technique is safe and convenient, but at least three applications of spray are necessary to produce acceptab le brands.