Types of cattle and horse brands

Cattle and horse brands are registered for use on either cattle or horses. Brands are registered to an individual or entity. When an animal is branded with a legally registered brand, this entity may be used to show legal ownership.

Types of brands

There are 2 types of brands that can be used on cattle and horses:

  • three-piece brand
  • symbol brand.

Three-piece brand

The Brands Act 1915 defines the shape, size and composition of all 3-piece horse and cattle brands in Queensland. The different types of 3-piece brands that may be registered are described by series.

All 3-piece brands with a sideways letter must have the sideways letter permanently affixed to another character in the branding iron.

All characters in a 3-piece brand:

  • must have a face depth between 30mm and 65mm (face depth refers to the height of the character)
  • may be imprinted either vertically or horizontally in any of the prescribed positions. When branding vertically, the brand must remain in its original horizontal format and be rotated clockwise to 90 degrees.

Three-piece brand

View images and descriptions of the 3-piece horse and cattle brand series.

Symbol brand

You must have a registered 3-piece brand to register a symbol brand. Once registered, it may be used in addition to, or instead of, your registered 3-piece brand.

A symbol brand may be any free-form shape that is not too similar to any registered brand in the same locality as the brand applied for is likely to be used. The symbol should not be so complex that it is likely to be blotched.

Symbol brands must consist of no more than 3 elements (e.g. letters, numbers, characters, addition, shapes or other distinguishing features).

Three elements in a straight row are not permitted (unless it is an addition vertically placed next to the design) to ensure symbols are distinct from 3-piece brands.

The registrar may request applicants to seek written approval from a brand manufacturer to confirm that the proposed design can be made effectively.

Search the Brands database (iBrands) for registered brands.

All symbol brands must include a:

  • dot to the right of, and in line with, the lower part of the symbol
  • we suggest adding a standard addition—these are applied to symbol brands so that more than one brand owner may register the same or similar image. There are multiple standard additions you can choose from.

View images and descriptions of cattle and horse symbol brand additions.

The symbol brand design should be submitted in a digital image format (preferably GIF format) that is black on a white background and suitable to be printed on the certificate. The digital image must be created using graphic design software or tools that produce clear and precise designs.

Hand-drawn designs, including those created on digital devices, will not be accepted.

Symbol branding iron

The face depth of a symbol branding iron must be between 30mm and 80mm (face depth refers to the height of the character).

Cattle branding positions

The first brand may be placed on any of the following positions:

  1. neck
  2. rump
  3. shoulder
  4. thigh
  5. twist (the upper rear portion of the animal's hind leg between the pin bone and the hock).

It is illegal to place a brand on the ribs or cheek of cattle.

Cattle branding positions

Horse branding positions

The first brander on horses may imprint the registered 3-piece brand on any of the following positions:

  1. quarter
  2. shoulder
  3. thigh.

Horse branding positions

Age numerals and stud references

Stud, age or herd book reference numbers may be imprinted by the person first branding an animal on any of the prescribed positions.

These brand numerals are not registered under the Brands Act 1915.

The numerals or references may be imprinted on any of the prescribed positions or below an imprinted brand for both horse and cattle. If it is imprinted below an imprinted brand, it must be imprinted at the same angle and directly beneath the previous brand at a distance of between 35mm and 65mm.

Cross-branding rules

It is not compulsory to cross-brand purchased stock. If you choose to, there are rules to follow to make sure you cross-brand correctly.

Your registered cattle and horse brand may only be imprinted on previously branded cattle or horses if one of the following occurs:

  • the brand is placed in any of the prescribed positions shown in the diagrams
  • if it is imprinted in the same position as the first brand, it must be placed at the same angle and immediately beneath the last brand, not closer than 35mm or more than 65mm.

How to register a brand

Your brand must be registered before it can be legally used in Queensland.

In Queensland, all properties where livestock are kept must have a property identification code (PIC) allocated by Biosecurity Queensland. When registering, transferring or updating property details for a brand or earmark, you must provide the PIC where the brand or earmark is intended to be used.

The brand must not be the same or similar to an adjoining neighbour's registered brand.

Reminders for brand and earmark applications

  • Email all brand and earmark applications to brands@dpi.qld.gov.au.
  • Brands and earmarks must be associated with a property identification code (PIC) of intended use.
  • Do not enter credit card details on the application form.
  • Payments are processed via BPoint. We will contact you about payment before your application is processed.
  • There is currently a turnaround period of 40 working days for all applications.

Step 1: Submit your application

Complete the application form in full and submit it using one of these options:

Step 2: Application review

Once received, your application will be checked for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to you for correction.

You can only register a symbol brand if you have a 3-piece brand registered.

Include the PIC with your application to make sure your earmark is established in the correct district. In Queensland, all properties where livestock are kept must have a PIC allocated by Biosecurity Queensland.

When registering, transferring or updating property details for an earmark, you must provide the PIC where the earmark is intended to be used.

Step 3: Payment request

If your application is complete, you will receive a payment request. Note that payment is required before the processing of your application can begin.

Payment does not guarantee the approval or registration of your brand.

Applications are processed in the order we receive them and only if they have been fully completed and the correct fee has been paid.

Step 4: Approval

When your application is approved, you will be issued a registration certificate.

Branding irons

It is your responsibility to organise and pay for the branding iron. Branding irons must be made to the exact shape shown on the certificate of registration.

When buying, you must provide a copy of your certificate of registration to the manufacturer/supplier. You can search the Brands database (iBrands) for your registration details.

More information