In the modern livestock industry, effective and animal-friendly practices are essential for success. Dry ice, or solid carbon dioxide (CO₂), has emerged as a valuable tool for livestock farmers, with applications ranging from preventing freezer burn to preserving perishable products.
This well-known product, manufactured and distributed by Dry Ice International in South Africa, offers a range of benefits that help farmers improve their farms, save costs, and promote animal health.
With over thirty years of experience in manufacturing and distributing dry ice in South Africa, Dry Ice International offers innovative products and services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of livestock farmers.
Dry ice and freeze branding: A pain-free alternative
Traditional hot branding methods can be stressful and painful for animals, negatively impacting their well-being and productivity. Dry Ice International offers an alternative solution using dry ice for freeze branding. One of the key applications of dry ice in the livestock industry is freeze branding, which provides an animal-friendly alternative to traditional hot-iron branding.
This method involves using dry ice and isopropyl alcohol to cool a branding iron to a very low temperature, around -80°C, leaving a permanent, whitish mark on the animal’s skin without causing pain or inflammation.
Compared to hot branding, where animals often experience distress and develop wounds, freeze branding offers a less traumatic and more hygienic solution while still ensuring clear and permanent identification. For optimal results, it is recommended to use 40 kg of dry ice and 40 liters of rubbing alcohol per 100 cattle.
Freeze branding is especially popular among cattle and dairy farmers as it creates a clear identification mark that helps with herd management and crime prevention. It is also a valuable tool for breeders who need a neat and visible mark on their animals for auctions or registration with livestock breeder associations.
More than 350 livestock farmers in South Africa are already successfully using freeze branding, and the practice is quickly gaining ground as the preferred method for responsible animal handling.
How does it work? Watch the video:
Unique products and services that distinguish Dry Ice International
Dry Ice International’s dedication to quality and innovation makes them leaders in the dry ice industry. They manufacture a variety of dry ice products, including pellets and blocks, using internally developed equipment that meets global standards. This approach ensures that customers receive products of the highest quality, tailored to their specific needs.
Versatile applications of Dry Ice in the livestock industry
In addition to freeze branding, dry ice has several other applications in the livestock industry:
The importance of dry ice in cooling meat and dairy products
The cooling of meat and dairy products remains a critical aspect of the livestock industry. Dry ice’s unique cooling properties make it an indispensable solution for the storage and transportation of perishable products. Unlike traditional ice, which melts and leaves water residue, dry ice changes directly from a solid to a gas, without leaving any wet residue behind.
Emergency cooling for farms during power outages
With South Africa’s ongoing power outages, dry ice has begun to play an important role as an emergency cooling solution for farms. When electric refrigerators or freezers are out of operation during load shedding, dry ice can be used to keep perishable stock, including meat, milk, and feed, fresh for longer. This helps farmers avoid significant financial losses and ensures a continuous supply of high-quality products.
Pest control
The use of dry ice in grain and food storage can help control pests and insects without the use of chemicals.
Dry Ice International: A reliable supplier to the agricultural industry
Dry Ice International is a leading supplier of dry ice in South Africa, providing the agricultural industry with high-quality products specifically designed for farmers’ needs. The company uses world-class technology to manufacture top-quality dry ice and also offers a range of polystyrene containers for safe storage and transportation.
Their customers include not only livestock farmers but also packaging plants, food producers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the healthcare sector, testifying to the versatility and reliability of their products.
Nationwide availability and fast delivery
With an extensive network of retailers and delivery services across South Africa, Dry Ice International can deliver dry ice to farmers quickly and efficiently, even in remote areas. They offer door-to-door delivery within 24 hours, ensuring that farmers always have access to fresh dry ice when needed.
Dry Ice International’s high-quality dry ice products and services provide livestock farmers in South Africa with a reliable and effective solution to various challenges in the industry. For more information about their products and how your farm and business can benefit from them, visit their website at https://dryice.co.za/4-farming/.
