Leading the Way in Freeze Branding & Cow Scanning
Established in 2013 by Bryan Byrne, Cow Scanning and Freeze Branding has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation for over a decade. Backed by a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science, we provide expert scanning and freeze branding services with a professional, reliable approach. Our dependable call-out service covers Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, and surrounding areas, ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality bovine care right at their doorstep.
Utilizing the advanced Bovine Ultrasound Scanner Ibex Lite, we deliver precise, non-invasive pregnancy scanning, helping farmers improve herd management and reproductive efficiency. In addition, our freeze branding service provides a permanent, highly visible identification mark, essential for accurate farm records and livestock security. Whether managing large dairy herds or smaller suckler herds, our expertise ensures accurate results and peace of mind.
Services Provided
Bryan Byrne offers an extensive range of bovine services tailored to meet the needs of both dairy and suckler herds. From pregnancy detection and health assessments to freeze branding for livestock identification, our services help farmers enhance productivity and herd management. By improving reproductive efficiency, detecting health issues early, and ensuring secure identification, we provide practical, effective solutions to support the success of your farm.
Freeze Branding
Our freeze branding service uses dry ice pellets and liquid isopropanol, allowing the branding iron to reach an optimal temperature of -70°C. This advanced method ensures a clear, long-lasting mark that aids in livestock identification and farm management. For the best results, we recommend branding heifers just before their introduction to the bull. When calving, the mark will be highly visible, making it easier to maintain accurate farm records. In addition to dairy herds, beef cattle can also be branded, enhancing traceability and herd management. With cattle theft on the rise across the UK and Ireland, having a unique identification mark on each animal serves as an essential security measure, helping farmers protect their livestock while ensuring efficient record-keeping.
Freeze branding timescale result chart:
15 seconds – Indented marking shows
5-10 minutes – Swollen marking shows
5 days – Swollen mark disappears
1 month – Top skin layer will shed
2 months – White hair growth will start
3 months – White hair growth complete
Cow Scanning
1
Identify Due Date
Knowing the exact due dates of your cows is crucial for effective herd management. Accurate due date estimations allow you to plan and prepare for calving seasons, ensuring you have the right resources and facilities. Our ultrasound scans provide precise due date information, helping you to optimise your calving schedules and improve calf survival rates. With our reliable scanning services, you can reduce the risks associated with unexpected calving and ensure the well-being of both cows and calves.
2
Identify Empty Cows
Identifying empty cows, or those that are not pregnant, is essential for maintaining an efficient and productive herd. Non-pregnant cows can be a drain on resources if not managed appropriately. Our precise ultrasound scanning technology can detect empty cows early, allowing you to make timely decisions about their management. This can include adjusting feeding programs, implementing reproductive treatments, or making culling decisions to optimize herd performance.
3
Identify Infertile Cows
Infertility in cows can significantly impact your herd's productivity and profitability. Identifying infertile cows quickly and accurately helps you make informed decisions about culling or treating these animals. Our advanced scanning services can pinpoint infertility, providing you with the critical information needed to maintain a healthy, productive herd. By addressing infertility issues promptly, you can improve the overall reproductive performance and economic return of your herd.
4
Identify twins
Early detection of twin pregnancies is crucial for managing herd health and productivity. Twin pregnancies can pose additional risks, and knowing ahead of time allows you to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both the cows and the calves. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology allows us to identify twin pregnancies accurately and early. This information can be vital in planning nutrition, space, and care requirements for your herd, helping to reduce complications and improve outcomes.
5
Suckler herds
Suckler herds have specific needs when it comes to health and reproductive management. Our scanning services for suckler herds are designed to address these unique requirements. We offer targeted solutions that improve reproductive performance and overall herd health. Whether it's detecting pregnancies, identifying health issues, or planning calving schedules, our expertise ensures that your suckler herd receives the best possible care and management.
6
Dairy herds
Managing dairy herds requires a focus on both reproductive efficiency and milk production. Our services for dairy herds are designed to optimize these aspects, providing comprehensive scanning solutions that support your dairy operation. From early pregnancy detection to identifying reproductive issues and planning for calving, our advanced technology and expertise help you maintain a healthy, productive herd. By improving reproductive performance and managing health issues promptly, we help you maximize milk production and ensure the well-being of your dairy cows.
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Can freeze branding help prevent cattle theft?Yes, freeze branding provides a unique, permanent identification on each animal, making it easier to trace stolen livestock. With increasing cases of cattle theft across the UK and Ireland, freeze branding is a valuable security measure for dairy and beef farmers.
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What types of herds do you work with?We provide scanning services for both dairy herds and suckler herds. Our expertise allows us to tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each type of herd.
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How can you help with managing empty cows?We can detect non-pregnant cows early, allowing for better management and resource allocation. This helps in making informed decisions to optimise herd productivity.
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What equipment do you use for scanning?We use the advanced Bovine Ultrasound Scanner Ibex Lite for precise and reliable results. This state-of-the-art technology ensures accurate and non-invasive scans.
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How does freeze branding work?Freeze branding uses dry ice pellets and liquid isopropanol to cool the branding iron to approximately -70°C. When applied to the animal’s hide, the extreme cold destroys the pigment-producing hair follicles, resulting in a permanent white mark that improves livestock identification and farm record-keeping.
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When is the best time to freeze brand heifers?For optimal results, heifers should be branded just before being introduced to the bull. This ensures that by the time they calve, the freeze brand is clear and fully developed, allowing for easy identification and improved herd management.
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Can you identify twin pregnancies?Yes, our equipment allows us to accurately identify twin pregnancies. Early detection helps in managing risks and preparing for successful deliveries.
