* Identification: Branding was the primary way to identify individual animals within a herd. This was crucial for keeping track of ownership, especially in areas where fences were scarce and cattle roamed freely.
* Ownership: Branding established clear ownership of the cattle. It was a visible declaration that a specific rancher had a right to that animal.
* Theft Prevention: Branding made it significantly harder for cattle thieves to sell stolen animals. The brand was like a permanent tattoo, revealing the original owner.
* Tracking: Branding helped ranchers track the movement of their cattle, especially during roundups and drives.
* Market Value: Branded cattle fetched a higher price at market as buyers could be assured of their origin and quality.
Branding served as a vital tool for ranchers in the past, and while its use has diminished with the rise of more modern identification methods, it remains a part of ranching heritage and tradition.