Abstract: In a disclosed modular freeze branding method, refrigerant is caused to flow through a first thermally conductive conduit having exposed, coplanar segments that are arranged in the shape of a set of characters. Then the exposed portions are applied to brand a specimen of livestock, after which the flow of refrigerant is stopped. The above acts are then repeated one or more times with different sets of thermally conductive conduit. The conduit of the different sets have exposed segments that form different sets of characters. An operator can employ the method to efficiently apply individual, multiple-digit freeze brands to each of a number of specimens of livestock. Variations and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosed modular freeze branding device includes a frame and a number of character assemblies that are configured to be supported by the frame. Each assembly includes a substrate and a section of refrigerant conduit that is coupled to the substrate. The section of conduit has one or more thermally conductive segments arranged along a first side of the substrate to form the shape of a character. Variations and methods are also disclosed.