For some 4,000 years branding irons have been used as a means of identification and a sign of ownership.
The Ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians branded not only their livestock, but criminals and slaves as well. It is generally
believed Hernando Cortez introduced branding irons to the New World in 1540.
The first step in protecting your livestock is choosing a good brand. Choose a brand that is distinctive and readily recognized.
Today, a man's brand means much more than mere livestock identity. To the rancher, it is his reputation, his coat of arms; his
family history...the brand lives on long after the name is forgotten. Even back in 1885, Colorado had 12,000 registered
brands. Today, Texas has some 230,000 brands registered. Modern ranchers still use branding irons to identify their cattle,
whether they have small spreads or large ones. The famous King Ranch in Texas is so large that there is a seasonal difference
of one month between its North & South boundaries.
Ideally, brands are simply designed, yet in a way that they cannot be easily altered. 
The more complex the brand, the harder it is to recognize.
Cattle Branding Irons are Read From
Left to Right-Top to Bottom-Outside to Inside